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THE 



yi^'y.n^. Union Defence Committee 



CITY OF NEW YORK 



MINUTES, REPORTS, AND CORRESPONDENCE 



WITH AN HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION 

BY 

/ 
JOHN AUSTIN STEVENS 






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PUBLISHED BY 

THE UNION DEFENCE COMMITTEE 
1885 



UNION DEFENCE COMMITTEE, 

1861. 

JoHK A, Dix, Chairman. Charles H. Marshall, 

Simeon Draper, Vice- Chairman, Egbert H. McOurdy, 

*WiLLiAM M. EvARTS, Secretary, Moses H. Grinnell, 

Theodore Dehon", Treasurer, Royal Phelps, 



Moses Taylor, 
EiCHARD M. Blatchford, 

*EDWARrJS PlERREPONT, 

Alex. T. Stewart, 
*Samuel Sloan, 
*JoHN Jacob Astor, Jr., 
John J. Cisco, 
James S. Wadsworth, 
*IsAAC Bell, 
James Boorman, 



William E. Dodge, 
Greene C. Bronson, 
*Hamilton Fish, 
William F. Havemeyer, 
Charles H. Russell, 
James T. Brady, 
Rudolph A. Witthaus, 
*Abiel a. Low, 
Prosper M. Wetmore, 
*A. C. Richards, 



The Mayor of the City of New York, 
The Comptroller of the City of New York, 
The President of the Board of Aldermen, 
The President of the Board of Councilmen. 



* Survmug, January 1, 1885. 



EDITOK'S NOTE 



The active labor of the Union Defence Committee, whicli 
was raised for a special emergency, ended in the spring of 1862 ; 
but the organization was maintained to recover from the Gov- 
ernment such part of the sum subscribed by the citizens of 
New York as was a just charge against it. Later the Committee 
organized several public movements in encouragement of the 
national authorities. 

In the spring of 1864 the Committee definitely adjourned, 
leaving to their Finance Committee the disposition of the small 
remainder of the Citizens' Fund ; the public fund, appropriated 
by the city, having been already accounted for and closed. 
Order was given that a full report of the action of the Com- 
mittee be published, and their Secretary, the late Prosper M. 
Wetmore, was charged with its preparation. Death interrupted 
him in this work, and until quite recently the scattered docu- 
ments of the Committee conld not be gathered. When, after 
much labor and delay, the various Minutes, Reports and 
Correspondence were collected, the surviving members of the 
Committee intrusted them to the editor of these pages. The his- 
torical introduction, mainly drawn from contemporaneous publi- 
cations, aims to present a succinct, impartial narrative of the 
events which gave rise to the Committee and of those in which 
it itself took a part — second in importance to that of no civil 
body in the loyal States. 
New York, January 1, 1885. 



UNION DEFENCE COMMITTE 



HISTOEY 

The news of the capitulation of Fort Sumter, od tlie even- 
ing of Saturday, the 13tli April, 1861, and of its surrender by 
Major Piobert Anderson, U. S. A., to tlie Confederate authorities, 
the following day, reached Washington Sunday morning, the 
14th, and was announced in New York in the evening. The 
details of the gallant defence of the fort were published in 
the newspapers of Monday, the IStli, and the same morning 
a proclamation of the President was issued calling forth the 
militia of the States, to the amount of 75,000, and ' appealing 
to all loyal citizens to favor, facilitate and aid this effort to 
maintain the honor, the integrity and the existence of our 
National Union, and the perpetuity of popular government, and 
to redress wrong already long enough endured.' In response 
to this call, Governor Morgan issued a proclamation, under date 
of Thursday, the 18tli April, announcing " a formal requisition 
by the President upon the State of New York ' for a quota of 
seventeen regiments of seven hundred and eighty men each,' to 
te immediately detached from the miUtia of this State, to serve 
as infantry or riflemen for a period of three months, unless 
sooner discharged," and in conformity thereto the Governor 
called for the aforesaid quota, consisting of six hundred and 
forty-nine officers and tAvelve thousand six hundred and thirty- 
one men, forming an aggregate force of thirteen thousand two 
hundred and eighty men. 

The first troops who marched in response to the call of the 
President were the four regiments of the Massachusetts quota ; 



of these the Sixth Eegiment, Colonel Jones, left Boston on the 
17th, reached New York the following morning, and left a few 
hours later for Washington. 

Orders (General Order, No. 15) were issued from the 
General Headquarters at Albany on the 17th April, by 
Adjutant-General J. Meredith Head, Jr., directing Major- 
General Sandford, " commanding the First Division N. Y. S. M,, 
to detail one regiment of eight hundred men, or two regiments 
amounting to the same number, for immediate service." In ac- 
cordance with this order, General Sandford instantly ordered out 
the Seventh Regiment, and telegraphed to Lieutenant-General 
Scott the same day, April 17th, that they were ready to march, 
and waiting orders. The ranks were immediately filled, and 
the regiment marched, 991 strong, Friday, April 19tli, at three 
o'clock in the afternoon. The subscription of merchants of the 
City made at the Chamber of Commerce, on the 17th of April, 
to the amount of sixty-one hundred and forty dollars hastened 
the perfect equipment of this favorite corps. 

The other regiments of the First Division N. Y. S. M. dis- 
played the same patriotic alacrity, and impatiently awaited 
marching orders. On the 19th General Sandford ordered the 
6th, 12tli, and 71st Regiments to assemble at their armories the 
following day, Saturday, at three o'clock, armed and equipped 
for embarkation. 

These Regiments, it will be remembered, all belonged to the 
New York State Militia, and their services were understood to 
be provisional until volunteer regiments could be recruited 
and organized to fill their places. On the 16th the Legislature 
passed an act " authorizing the embodying and equipment of a 
volunteer militia, and to provide for the public defence," and 
on the 18th, the Adjutant-General of the State issued a general 
order directing the organization and enrollment of the quota, 
the force to be divided into two divisions, four brigades, and 
seventeen regiments. The force volunteering under the pro- 



visions of the act to he enrolled for a term of hoc years unless 
sooner discharged. The requisite clothing, arms and accouter- 
ments to be furnished at the expense of the State or the United 
States. 

The danger with which the capital was menaced did not 
admit of a moment's delay. 

On the morning of Saturday, April the 20th, the entire city 
was agitated by the news of the attack of the mob upon the 
Massachusetts troops on their march through the streets of 
Baltimore the previous day. The anxiety concerning the fate 
of the New York Seventh was great, but its experience in deal- 
ing with rioters inspired confidence in their ability to force 
their way through all obstructions. It was also announced that 
the Northern Central Railroad Company would transport no 
more troops over its line to Washington, the Baltimore and 
Ohio Railroad having adopted the same course. The safety of 
the capital depended upon the activity of the seaboard cities. 
Thousands were daily offering their services and signing their 
names, and there was great complaint against the delay in the 
receipt of the enlistment rolls. Governor Morgan was repeatedly 
urged by telegram to send forward large bodies of men. The 
authorities at Washington, however, better aware of the pre- 
cise situation, had requested him to await further directions. 

The proclamation of the President appealed directly to the 
citizens, and was instantly answered. On the morning of Mon- 
day, the 15th April, the Tribune published a call for a patriotic 
mass meeting, which was circulated for signature during the 
day. At two o'clock on the afternoon of the same day, a num- 
ber of prominent citizens, who are described as the 'solid men 
of Wall Street,' met at No. 30 Pine Street. Mr. Christopher 
R. Robert was called to the chair, and Mr. Simeon B. Chitten- 
den acted as secretary. A committee of ten was formed, of 
which Mr. Charles H. Marshall was chairman, to call together 
a meeting of citizens without delay, and a resolution expressing 



the sense of the meeting that, before the Legishitiire adjourn, 
action should be taken to put the militia of the State on a 
war footing was telegraj)hed to the Governor. The committee 
adjourned to the evening at the house of Mr. Kobert H. McCurdy, 
No. 36 East Fourteenth Street, to prepare a call, draft reso- 
lutions, and procure speakers for the proposed meeting. The 
committee met again Tuesday morning at ten o'clock at the 
Chamber of Commerce, and reported a call for the meeting, invit- 
ing the citizens of New York and its vicinity, without regard to 
previous pohtical opinions or associations, to meet on Friday 
evening at a place to be later named. A sub-committee, of 
which Mr. John A. Dix was chairman, was appointed to draft 
resolutions and choose speakers. These proceedings were re- 
ported to a committee of two hundred merchants and others, 
who met at the Chamber of Commerce on "Wednesday at 
noon. Mr. Charles H. Marshall presided, and Mr. Seth B. 
Hunt acted as secretary. A committee appeared from the 
Stock Exchange, and a delegation on behalf of the gentlemen 
who had circulated the call published in the Tribune of Mon- 
day. They were cordially received and took part in the 
coimcils. At the suggestion of Mr. Chittenden, the plan for a 
mass meeting on Friday evening was abandoned, and it was 
unanimously resolved to hold the meeting on Union Square, 
around the statue of Washington, at three o'clock. The 
citizens were invited to close their places of business at two 
o'clock. Upon a statement that the Seventh Regiment New 
York State Militia might be needed in Washington before 
Saturday, a subscription was opened and immediately re- 
sponded to. A resolution was also adopted thanking the 
Governor for the prompt response to the call of the President. 

The executive committee met on Thursday, at the rooms of 
the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. E. H. McCurdy presided, and 
Mr. J. Smith Homans acted as secretary. It was resolved to re- 
quest the Hon. John A. Dix to preside at the meeting, and a 



committee was appointed to invite the attendance of Major 
Bobert Anderson, liis officers and men, who had arrived from 
Fort Sumter on the steamsliip Baltic on the da}^ previous. 

On Thursday evening the Committee on Resolutions and 
Speakers met at the house of Mr. Dix, No. 3 West Twenty-first 
Street, and issued invitations to prominent speakers of all politi- 
cal parties. On Tuesday morning the call appeared, signed by 
seventy-three gentlemen, of whom the Hon. John A. Dix was 
the first. The call bore date of the 16th of April. 

At one o'clock the Chamber of Commerce held a special 
meeting, in response to the proclamation of the President. 
The rooms were thronged. Patriotic resolutions were adopted, 
and a committee was formed to raise funds in aid of the volun- 
teers of the city and their families. This committee, of which 
Mr. William E. Dodge was chairman, was the first organized 
for this purpose. Twenty-one thousand dollars was subscribed 
on the spot. A committee of influential capitalists was also 
appointed to secure the immediate taking of the remaining 
nine millions of the Government loan. A resolution was passed 
recommending the Government to blockade the Southern ports. 
The Committee on Kesolntions met at the house of the Hon. 
John A. Dix in the evening, and perfected the resolutions for 
the mass meeting. 

THE UNION SQUARE MEETING OF SATURDAY, APRIL THE 20TH 

From the early morning, all business except of the most 
imperative nature Avas absolutely suspended, the streets were 
thronged with a surging mass of people, and the national colors 
waved from every building. The inhabitants, with scarcely an 
exception, wore the national colors in some form — rosettes, 
badges, or improvised cockades. Union Square was a red, 
white and blue wonder ; not only the adjacent hotels, the 
Clarendon, the Everett, the Union Place, and the Monument 
House, displayed national colors in profusion, but from nearly 



6 

every private house, from Spingler Institute, and from the 
Church of the Puritans, the flag of our Union waved proudly. 
Here, at three o'clock, more than one hundred thousand people 
gathered in the largest meeting ever held on this continent. 
Five stands had been erected under the direction of the gen- 
eral committee of citizens. 

The Hon. John A. Dix presided over the vast assemblage, 
assisted by the following gentlemen : 



Peter Cooper, 
W. M. Evarts, 
Geoi'ge Bancroft, 
Stewart Brown, 
Henry Grinnell, 
W. E. Dodge, 
L. Q. B. Cannon, 
Frederick Bronson, 
D. H. Arnold, 
R. H. McCurdy, 
Wyllis Blackstone, 
Chas. H. Russell, 
Jno. C. Jones, 
I. N. Phelps, 
Jas. A. Briggs, 
Henry F. Vail, 
W. B. Maclay, 
George Folsoin, 
Isaac Ferri?, 
D. R. Martin, 
William Bryce, 
Peter Lorillard, 
S. Livingston, 
W. W. Be Forest, 
Daniel Leroy, 
Clias. Christmas, 
Charles A. Secor, 
Luther Bradlsh, 
Morris Ketchum, 



VICE-PEESIDENTS. 

Greene C. Bronson, 
W. C. Bryant, 
John A. King, 
John J. Phelps, 
Moses Taylor, 
Watts Sherman, 
Jno. D. Wolfe, 
F. A. Conkling, 
Edwin Dohbs, 
Jos. W. Alsop, 
Nath. Harden, 
Robert Ray, 
David Hoadley, 
James Low, 
Jolin D. Jones, 
A. B. Baylis, 
Fred Kapp, 
Andrew Carrigan, 
J. Auehincloss, 
Wm. Chauncey, 
A. S. Hewitt, 
Erastus Brooks, 
W. H. Osborn, 
Anson Herrick, 
S. L. Mitchill, 
J. B. Varnum, 
John T. Hoffman, 
Fernando Wood, 
Jonathan Sturges, 



W, B. Astor, 
Pelatiah Perit, 
James Boorman, 
R. B. Minturn, 
O. D. F. Grant, 
Edwin Croswell, 
Seth B. Hunt, 
A. J. Williamson, 
Joseph Stuart, 
E. E. Morgan, 
John Lloyd, 
Benj. L. Swan, 
Robert J. Taylor, 
John Ewen, 
William C. Bryce, 
Elnathan Thorn, 
Alexander Duncan, 
A. C. Kingsland, 
M. Franklin, 
H. B. Claflin, 
S. B. Althause, 
Joseph Seligman, 
A. A. Vanderpoel, 
Theodore Fowler, 
Augustus Schell, 
William Hall, 
Hamilton Fish, 
A. T. Stewart, 
J. J. Astor. 



SECKETARIES. 

J. Smith Homans, J. T. Johnston, D. D. Lord, 

George A. Vogel, Chas. B. Norton, John Bigelow, 

Sheppard Gandy, C. H. Marshall, Jr., Fletcher Westray, 

Jas. G. De Forest. 

Stand No. 1 fronted the equestrian statue of Washington, 
on the eastern side of the park, and was in charge of Mr. K. H. 
McCurd}^ 

Mr. Dix was accompanied by Major Robert Anderson, Sur- 
geon Crawford, Captains Doubleday and Foster, and Lieuten- 
ant Hall, who had arrived from Fort Sumter in the citj the 
day before on the Baltic. 

The Rev. Dr. Gardiner Spring, the venerable pastor of the 
Brick Church, opened the meeting with prayer. Mr. E. H. 
McCurdy introduced Mr. Dix as chairman, and nominated 
the vice-presidents and secretaries, whose names had been 
agreed upon by the general committee. After an address by 
Mr. Dix, the resolutions were read by Mr. McCurdy and unani- 
mously adopted. Speeches followed from the Hon. Daniel S. 
Dickinson, Senator Edward D. Baker, of Oregon, and the Hon. 
Robert J. Walker. A letter was read from Archbishop Hughes. 
Speeches followed from the Hon. Fernando Wood, Mayor of 
the city, ex-Governor Hunt, the Hon. R. C. Schenck, of Ohio, 
William M. Evarts, Simeon B. Chittenden, and Caleb Lyon, of 
Lyonsdale. 

Stand No. 2 was in front of the Everett House, and in 
charge of Mr. Samuel Sloan, The proceedings were here 
opened with a pra^^er by the Rev. Dr. Vinton, of Trinity 
Church. The Hon. Hamilton Fish presided. The resolutions 
were read by Mr. WiUiam E. Dodge. Speeches were made 
by the Hon. John Cochrane, Mr. Wm. Ketchum, the Hon. 
Henry J. Raymond, Richard O'Gorman, Gen. L-a P. Davis, 
Professor Mitchell, Samuel Hotaling and Samuel Hallett. 

Stand No. 3 was on the Broadway side of the Square, near 



8 

Seventeenth Street, and in charge of Mr. James A. Harrington. 
The Hon. Wm. F. Havemeyer presided. Prayer was offered 
by the Rev. Mr. Preston. Mr. Pachard Warren read the list 
of vice-presidents and secretaries, and Mr. John C. Hamilton 
the resolutions. Speeches were made by David S. Codding- 
ton, Oswald Ottendorfer, Frederick Kapp, Ignatz Koch, Otto 
Sackersdorff, Gustav Schwab, Hugo Wesendonck and D. 
Snodgrass. 

Stand No. 4 was on the Broadway side of the Square, facing 
Plymouth Church at FiftecDth Street, and in charge of Mr. 
Eoyal Phelps. Mr. Moses H. Grinnell presided. Prayer was 
offered by the Eev. Dr. Thomas E. Yermilye of the Collegiate 
Reformed Church. Mr. Edwards Pierrepont read the resolu- 
tions, and speeches were made by William Curtis Noyes, Sen- 
ator Spinola, David Dudley Field, W. J. A. Fuller and Theodore 
Tilton. 

Stand No. 5 was on the eastern side of the Square, midway 
between the Washington Statue and the Everett House. Ex- 
Alderman Benson presided, and speeches were made by Col. 
Jos. B. Simpson and Messrs. Abbott Perkins, J. K. Furlong, H. 
S. Chittenden of Ohio, C. B. Hulshart and Edmond Blankman. 
During the progress of the meeting a telegraphic dispatch was 
read from Governor Morgan announcing that he had been en- 
abled to respond without delay to the requisition of the War 
Department and was prepared to meet further demands from the 
present organized military forces, at least until the volunteers 
could be got ready ; that he was in communication with the Sec- 
retary of War, and this enabled him to act in accordance with 
the wishes of the Federal authorities. A second dispatch from 
the Governor announced that orders had been received for four 
additional organized regiments and two of volunteers to proceed 
without delay and that Gen. Sandford had authority to charter 
the necessary steamers for that purpose. Major Anderson was 
escorted from stand to stand, and at each was received with 



9 

the greatest enthusiasm. A committee was appointed to re- 
ceive funds in support of the public authorities. The assem- 
bhige did not disperse until nightfall. 

On Sunday, April 21st, the three regiments to whom march- 
ing orders had been issued by General Sandford embarked on 
steamers chartered for their conveyance to Washington. The 
attack on the Massachusetts troops and the burning of the 
bridges on the Baltimore road on the night of Friday, the 19th 
had determined the authorities at Washington upon a line of 
water transportation. The Sixth Eegiment, Col. Pinckney, went 
on board the Ariel ; the Twelfth, Col. Butterfield, upon the Baltic, 
and the Seventy-first Kegiment, Col. Vosburgh, on board the H. 
R. Ouyler. These, and numerous other vessels for the trans- 
portation of troops and material of war, had been chartered by 
a commissioner of the Federal Government. Fourteen were 
already provisioned and Avaiting orders. Each of these regi- 
ments was recruited to its full standard. All were fully armed, 
but less than one-half were uniformed, the ranks having been 
filled up by fresh recruits. 

Governor Morgan, anxious for the safety of the national cap- 
ital, arrived in New York city early Monday morning to hasten 
the general movement. General Chester A. Arthur, of the Gov- 
ernor's staff, was appointed Assistant Quartermaster-General, 
established his quarters at the corner of White and Elm Streets 
on Monday morning, and was at once busily engaged with the nec- 
essary arrangements for the clothing, quartering, and provision- 
ing of the men. Four depots were opened for this service by this 
energetic officer. The general depot was in command of Brig.- 
General Charles Yates. A special order being issued by the 
Adjutant-General that one regiment of the First Division be en- 
camped on the Battery, to be followed by others in succession, 
General Sandford directed the Fifth Eegiment to take post at 
that place, and authorized a requisition for ammunition. Dur- 
ing the day it was announced that New York city, besides being 



10 

the headquarters of the regular armj of the United States, had 
also been designated as the headquarters of the Department of 
the East, and that Major-General John E. Wool, second in rank 
to Lieuten ant-General Winfield Scott, would take command. 
This departm ent comprised all the country east of the Missis- 
sippi Piiver. The general arrived lu the city in the evening and 
took quarters at the St. Nicholas Hotel. 

At ten o'clock (Monday) the Committee of Twenty-one, 
ordered by the great mass meeting held on Union Square on 
the '20th, met at the Chamber of Commerce and organized with 
the appointment of the Hon. John A. Dix as president, of Sim- 
eon Draper as vice-president, and Mr. William M. Evarts as 
secretary. The Mayor, the Comptroller, the President of the 
Board of Aldermen and the President of the Board of Council- 
men Avere added to the Committee. Messrs. Theodore Dshon 
and Augustus C. Kichards, members of the original commit- 
tee appointed by the Chamber of Commerce to collect subscrip- 
tions, were also added. After selecting a sub-committee on 
organization, adjournment was made to the house of Mr. Dix 
at eight in the evening, when sub-committees were named. 
These were four in number — viz., an Executive Committee, a 
Committee on Correspondence and Publications, a Finance 
Committee, and a Committee on Collection and Subscription. 
At this meeting official communication was received from the 
Select Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, of which Mr. 
Prosper M. Wetmore was Secretary, declaring its intention, after 
completing the business before them, to merge itself in the Gen- 
eral Committee of Twenty- six. 

The activity displayed by the Select Committee of the Cham- 
ber of Commerce appears in the record of the official proceed- 
ings of that body on the 2d May ; the next meeting : ' ' Mr. 
Theodore Dehon, the Treasurer appointed to raise funds for the 
equipment of troops, reported that he had received $115,853 ; of 
this sum $92,881 had been expended as directed, leaving a bal- 



11 

ance of $22,969, wliicli had been transferred to the treasurer of 

the Union Defence Committee." 

The Board of Aldermen and the Board of Council men met 
on the evening of Monday, the 22d of April. Patriotic resolu- 
tions were adopted by the Board of Aldermen, and the sum of 
five hundred thousand dollars was appropriated for the relief of 
the families of volunteers to be expended under the direction of 
the Committee appointed at the Union Square meeting. The 
State authorities were authorized to erect barracks in the City 
Hall Park. The heads of departments and bureaus were 
authorized to continue on their pay-rolls all persons belonging 
to existing military organizations or volunteering for the de- 
fence of the country. A message was later laid before the Board 
of Aldermen from the Mayor, Fernando Wood, urging the im- 
mediate appropriation of one million dollars for the equipment 
and support of the volunteers, and suggesting that a tax be 
levied for the purpose. 

The Board of Councilmen passed an ordinance appropriat- 
ing one million dollars for the equipment and outfit of the mili- 
tary force, to be paid by the Comptroller upon vouchers to be 
approved by a committee to be known as the '' Union Defence 
Committee of -the City of New York," consisting of the Mayor, 
Comptroller, Presidents of the Boards of the Common Council 
and the gentlemen appointed at the great Union meeting; 
bonds to be issued for the sums required to be designated " Un- 
ion Defence Fund Bonds of the City of New York." 

The Aldermen's room Avas tendered for the sessions of the 
Committee. 

By the foregoing it appears that it was by the letter of the 
ordinance which was adopted by the Board of Councilmen that 
the Committee of Twenty-six appointed at the Union Square 
Meeting of the 20tli April, with the addition of the city 
authorities, received the name of " The Union Defence Com- 
mittee of the City of New York," a name and style adopted by 



12 

resolution of all the gentlemen named, on Tuesday the 23d 
instant. 

Thus officially recognized the Committee entered earnestly 
upon its work. A circular was issued on the 24tli by the Sub- 
Committee on Correspondence inviting co-operation from other 
organizations having a similar end in view, and information, 
advice or suggestions to advance the public interests. On the 
25th notice was given of the organization of the Committee and 
of the establishment of permanent offices at No. 30 Pine Street. 
The Committee met daily at 12 M. ; the offices were open 
from 9 A.M. to 5 p.m. In addition the Executive Committee 
met daily at the Fifth Avenue Hotel at 8 p.m. 

The State militia were rapidly moved forward by General 
Sandford. On Tuesday, the 23d April, the 8th Regiment, Colonel 
Lyons, and the 69th, Colonel Corcoran, sailed on the James 
Adger, this making six regiments of the First Division N. Y. S. 
M., all from New York City, dispatched since the receipt of 
the requisition from Washington. The same day the Ifarion 
sailed with the 13th N. Y. S. M., Col. Smith, and the 28th 
N. Y. S. M., Col. Bennett, both Brooklyn regiments. The 
same day, also, the 25th N. Y. S. M., from Albany, which had 
reached the city the day previous, was embarked on the 
ParTiersburcj. The 5th N. Y. S. M., Colonel Schwarzwalder, 
was ordered to encamp on the Battery on the 25th. This regi- 
ment was essentially composed of Germans. The sum of 
$9,300 was already contributed by private subscription for 
their outfit and the support of their families. All these regi- 
ments except the 7th were mustered for three months' service. 
Meanwhile the enrollment of volunteers proceeded with activity. 
The 2d, 9th, 11th and 79th, all State regiments, volunteered for 
the war. Of these the 2d, Colonel Tompkins; the 9th, Colonel 
Stiles, and the 79th, Colonel Cameron, Avere New York City 
regiments and belonged to the First Division N. Y. S. M. The 
lltli, Colonel Wood, was a Brooklyn regiment and part of the 



13 

Second Division. They at once became the object of the 
special care of the Union Defence Commiitee. Other organ- 
izations had ah-eady been formed, with the assistance of 
the Chamber of Commerce Committee. These were the 1st 
Eegiment Advance Guard, commanded by Colonel Abram 
Duryee, mustered into the service April 23d, and ordered to 
Fort Schuyler the same day ; the 1st Eegiment New York State 
Volunteers, Colonel Wm.H. Allen, which was also mustered and 
marched to quarters on Staten Island. The Union Volunteers, 
Colonel Winiam Wilson, equipped and uniformed, were already 
under marching orders. In addition to these were the Zouave 
Eegiment, composed of members of the New York City Fire 
Department, under command of Colonel Ellsworth ; the Gari- 
baldi Guard, Colonel d'Utassy ; the 1st Eegiment Scott Life 
Guard, Colonel Hudson ; the second Scott Life Guard, Colo- 
nel J. H. Hobart Ward ; the New York State Steuben Vol- 
unteers, Colonel Bendix; the 1st Eegiment German Eifles, 
Colonel Blenker ; the 2d Eegiment Advance Guard ; the Vol- 
unteer Naval Brigade of New York, Colonel Commandant 
Washington Allen Bartlett, and sundry minor organizations 
which w^ere later merged in larger bodies. The names here 
given are those under which the several regiments originally 
formed and were mustered. They were later numbered under 
State regulations. 

Stimulated by the patriotic action of the Common Council for 
the care of the families of the soldiers and the prompt action 
of the Committee, organizations were rapidly recruited. 

By General Order No. 17, issued by the Adjutant-General 
April 25, under resolution of the Board of State Officers, twenty- 
one additional regiments were authorized to be embodied, mak- 
ing a total of thirty-eight regiments of volunteers to serve for 
two years, irrespective of the miHtia regiments already in 
service. 

The Sixth Massachusetts, the regiment which was attacked 



14 

in Baltimore on tlie morning of the 19th, was the only body of 
men which was moved to Wasliington by raih They arrived at 
he capital late in the afternoon. The 8th Eegiment Massachu- 
setts reached PhiladeliDhia on the evening of Friday, the 19th, 
and with them Brigadier-General Butler, who had been assigned 
to the command. General Butler moved his troops by rail to 
Havre de Grace, where he seized the ferry-boat Maryland and 
steamed to Annapolis, arriving in the evening. 

The 7th New York, which also left New York on Friday, 
reached Philadelphia at two o'clock on the morning of the 20th ; 
but information being received that the bridges between Balti- 
more and Havre de Grace had been destroyed, Colonel Lefferts 
telegraphed to Mr. Cameron, the Secretary of War, at Wash- 
ington, at five in the evening, that he had been informed by the 
president of the Philadelphia and Baltimore Eailroad that 
Governor Hicks of Maryland had stated that no more troops 
could pass through Baltimore. Receiving no reply to his tele- 
gram, the Colonel himself decided on his course, and at eleven 
o'clock chartered the steamer Boston i and, telegraphing again 
to the Secretary of War with a request that he should be met 
off Fortress Monroe, or at the mouth of the Potomac, with orders 
as to the route to Washington, he embarked his regiment, and 
at four o'clock in the afternoon the Boston steamed down the 
Delaware, and at dawn of Sunday morning, 21st inst., reached 
the mouth of the harbor of Annapolis. Here they found the 
famous frigate Constitution, Captain Blake, the training-ship 
of the Naval Academy, which had been saved from falling 
into the hands of the Secessionists. The Maryland had run 
aground. After some ineffectual efforts by the Boston to tow 
out the unfortunate ferry-boat, Colonel Lefferts on the afternoon 
of Monday, the 22d, at four o'clock, landed his men and en- 
camped at Annapolis, the pioneers of the war in occupying this 
important post. The Massachusetts men were soon after landed 
by the Boston. At once seizing the raiboad depot, they began 



15 

to mend the rail and repair an old locomotive which they found 
in a damaged state. Daring the day Colonel Lander, a trusted 
and excellent ofl&cer, came on from Washington with orders 
from General Scott. He reported tha't the situation of aifairs 
at Washington was extremely critical, and that the Government 
was intensely anxious that the 7th should hasten to its re- 
lief. General Butler awaited the arrival fi'om Philadelphia of 
the 5th Massachusetts, with its artiller3^ At four o'clock on 
the morning of Wednesday, the 24th, Colonel Lefferts put his 
command in march for Annapolis Junction. With them 
marched a detachment of the 8th Massachusetts, accom- 
panying the train they had improvised. Annapolis Junction 
was reached between three and four o'clock Thursday morning, 
April the 25th. Here they found the railroad in the hands of 
the Government, and shortly after a train came in to receive 
them. Leaving the Junction at ten, the regiment arrived at 
Washington at noon. 

The regiment of Rhode Island, Colonel Burnside, reached 
New York on the 2 1st. Governor Sprague accompanied the 
expedition. They left in the afternoon for Annapolis, and 
marched to Washington on the 26th. 

On the 27th, thirteen thousand troops were already in Wash- 
ington, and eight thousand more near at hand. The capital 
"was safe. The safety of W^ashington was thus secured by this 
flank movement ; the question of the direct route through Balti- 
more was still open. The North chafed with impatience at the 
delay of the Government, but the President was unwilling to 
take any action that might, perhaps, precijjitate the secession 
of Maryland, and even consented, at the urgent request of the 
Mayor of Baltimore, to order the withdrawal of twenty-five 
hundred Pennsylvania troops from Cockeysville, a point seven- 
teen miles from Baltimore, where they had guarded the line of 
the Northern Central Railroad, and thus held open an important 
route into Maryland. Immediately upon the evacuation of 



IG 

Cockej'sville, tlie Secessionists without opposition destroyed all 
the bridges up to the Pennsylvania line. 

This apparent weakness excited the greatest indignation. 
" Through Baltimore to Washington ! " was the popular cry 
of civilians as well as of soldiers. Meanwhile the Mayor of 
Baltimore forbade the removal of provisions from the city, and 
it seemed as though there were an organized plan to starve out 
the capital. At no time was the Government in such danger 
of losing its control over its own forces. The popular sentiment 
was strongly expressed in an open letter addressed by George 
Law to the President, on the 25th of April, in which occurs the 
following passage : 

" The public mind is already excited to the highest point 
that this state of things has been so long tolerated ; and the 
people are determined that free and uninterrupted communi- 
cation with the seat of Government shall be immediately estab- 
lished, not by circuitous routes, but by the direct lines of com- 
munication that they have heretofore traveled over, and it is 
demanded of the Government that they at once take measures to 
open and estaUish those lines of communication, and that they pro- 
tect and jpreserve them from any further inter rn^ption. Unless -this 
is done the people icill he compelled to take it into their own hands, 
let the consequences he what they may, and let them fall cohere they 
will. It is certainly most desirable that this be done through 
the regularly constituted authorities at Washington ; and the 
Government is earnestly requested to act without delay." 

This letter appeared in the New York Daily Trihune of 
Friday, April 26th, 1801. 

Such was the condition of public affairs when the Union 
Defence Committee entered upon their important duties. 

ACTION OF THE UNION DEFENCE COMMITTEE 
The chief labor fell upon the Executive Committee. This 
committee consisted of ten members with the addition of the 



17 

President of the General Committee, the Treasurer and the 
Chairman of the Finance Committee. Mr. Simeon Draper was 
the permanent Chairman, and Mr. Prosper M. "Wetmore the 
Secretary of this Committee. Later the Committee was in- 
creased to fifteen. They met daily at No. 30 Pine Street, 
and every evening at the Fifth Avenue HoteL On Tuesday 
the 23d, the Executive Committee organized and appointed 
seven sub-committees, among whom the business was distrib- 
uted. That on provisions and suppHes was instructed to take 
immediate steps to forward provisions for the troops in the field. 
The Committee then called upon Vice-President Hamlin, at 
his lodgings, and later waited on General Wool at his quarters 
at the St. Nicholas Hotel. In the evening a special agent was 
dispatched to Washington with instructions and a cypher ar- 
ranged for correspondence. Mr. Charles H. Haswell was in- 
trusted with the confidential mission, and his services were per- 
manently engaged. Later Mr. George L. Schuyler was also 
employed, and on one occasion Mr. George T. M. Davis, an 
old personal friend of President Lincoln, was sent on a special 
mission. 

On the 24th, Mr. Charles H. Russell was empowered to pur-' 
chase cannon from the foundrj^ at West Point or elsewhere. 
Under this authority this gentleman purchased sixteen rifled 
cannon from the aforesaid foundry. 
. Arrangements were made to provide clothing for the troops, 
and Mr. Wadsworthon the 24:th, chartered the steamer Kill von 
JvuU to leave the next morning with one hundred laborers and 
tools to lay rail and keep open the railroad. Her destination was 
Annapolis, and she was to maintain communication with Wash- 
ington. This was a large double-end side-wheel ferry boat of 
great capacity, and did excellent service in the transportation 
of troops between Annapolis and Fortress Monroe, Washington 
and Perryville (Havre de Grace). In the condition of affairs 
at Baltimore this was the quickest and surest route. Later in 



18 

tlie day, information being received from General Wool that two 
privateers were fitting out in Chesapeake Bay, the Committee 
chartered tlie steamer Quaker City to act as convoy to all other 
vessels. The Kill von Kull, however, was held under her char- 
ter, and sailed the next day with horses and provisions under 
the instructions of the United States Government. She re- 
turned to New York on the 14th May, and the Committee issued 
their warrant for the expense of her charter in the sum of 
$15,588.77. 

The Quaker Ciiy was chartered from Messrs. P. Hargous & 
Co. for thirty days at one thousand dollars per day, with the 
option of further engagement or purchase at $140,000. She 
was about to sail for Havana, but discharged her cargo, and was 
fitted out and armed at the Navy Yard. Commodore Breese 
assigned Captain Shufeldt to her command. On the 25th, the 
Montieello, which was also equipped at the Navy Yard, sailed for 
Chesapeake Bay. The Quake?' City and the Montieello were 
provided with twenty rifled muskets, ordered by General Wool 
from the Springfield Armory at the request of Mr. John A. Dix. 
The Montieello was followed on the 26th by the dispatch boat 
Yankee, with an armament, and under sealed orders. On the 
25th, the steamship iucZar, which arrived from Liverpool on the 
22d, was chartered from Messrs. Cnnard & Co. for twenty days 
or longer at $2,000 per day, with the privilage of purchase at 
$350,000. These charters were all made under the authoiity of 
General Wool. 

The Quaker City was well armed and equipped, and had a 
remarkable career, capturing between May 14th and July lOtli 
eight prizes, one of which was sold under decree of the admir- 
alty, the net proceeds of vessel and cargo amounting to above 
$130,000. She was later purchased by the United States Gov- 
ernment. 

Provisions were sent to Annapolis by the steamer Columbia 
to the amount of nearly one hundred thousand dollars, and 



19 

sums were remitted to tlie regiments in tlie field for the purpose 
of purchasing stores. 

The equipment of the troops under marching orders and tlie 
organization of the volunteers was the chief business of the 
Committee, and required a labor in detail which tl^e minutes 
of the Executive Committee clearly demonstrate. Of equal im- 
portance was the relief of families of soldiers. This was finally 
intrusted to ward committees, which acted under the directions 
and regulations of Mr. Eobert T. Haws, Comptroller of the city. 
By them the city appropriation was distributed in accordance 
with carefully devised and printed forms. 

On the 25th, Mr. Orison Blunt, Supervisor of the city, was 
authorized to purchase arms and ammunition. 

On the 26th a message was received from the Mayor of 
Philadelphia, announcing a telegram fi'om Washington, to the 
effect that the city was safe, a sufficient number of men having 
arrived, and the same day a dispatch from Gov. Morgan that he 
did not feel prepared to send any more troops without a requisi- 
tion from the President ; but should it come, he could send eight 
thousand men. The General Order No. 17, promulgated on the 
25th, pro\dded for the enrollments of the accepted companies 
not previously organized. These increased the force to an 
aggi-egate of thirt^'-eight regiments of volunteers, exclusive of 
the militia regiments then in the service. 

The original quota of New York troops in the seventy-five 
thousand called for by the President on the 15th April, was 
13,280 men, all regiments to serve for three months. The call 
of the Governor for twenty-one regiments of volunteers to serve 
for two years, in order to replace the militia in the field, was 
therefore four regiments in excess of the original quota of the 
State. The War Department was, however, reluctant to receive 
the additional regiments in excess of the quota, and was only 
induced to accept them on the personal application of a mem- 
ber of the State Military Board. 



20 

On the 2Stli, tlie 5tli, the German regiment, Col. Schwarz- 
walder, which had remained on the battery in their camp, 
which had received the name of Camp Anderson, having been 
enabled to complete their equipment by the contribvition of 
$2,500 from the Committee, sailed for Annapolis on the Kedar. 
Eleven regiments of the quota of the N. Y. State militia had 
already gone forward. There remained four regiments of this 
old militia organization, which had volunteered for the war. 
These were the 2d, 9th, 14th, and 79fch. They were soon 
ready and waiting orders, and the Committee turned their atten- 
tion to the volunteer organizations. Large amounts. of arms 
and ammunition were purchased, and the Ladies' Association, 
who were busily engaged in preparing clothing, were supplied 
with materiah The Fire Zouaves, Col. Ellsworth, were armed 
by them with 1,050 Sharp rifles, and sailed on the 28th on the 
Balilc, for Annapolis. This regiment had enlisted for two 
years, and was the first of the New York volunteer regiments 
that went to the front. 

Before receiving the information that the Governor was un- 
willing to dispatch more troops without a requisition from 
Washington, the Committee on the 25th April delegated Judge 
Pierrej)ont and Mr. Evarts to proceed to the capital, and, in 
conjunction with Mr. Thurlow Weed, to confer with the Presi- 
dent. These gentlemen were furnished with a series of ques- 
tions, to which they requested specific answers. These con- 
cerned the movement of troops and their shelter, and the state 
of the railroad communication to Washington. One of these 
questions involved the distribution of the armed steamers, 
which the Committee were dispatching to the Chesapeake for 
the blockade of the Southern ports and the search of suspicious 
vessels. Twenty of these steamers had been chartered and fitted 
out at the Navy Yard. Another query conveyed an intimation 
that unless the Government reopened the communication be- 
tween New York and Washington it would be effected by indi- 



21 

Tiduals. The last requested, tbat authority be given to Geileral 
Wool to meet all emergencies which might arise. General 
Wool, in view of his rank as second in command and his isola- 
lation from Washington, had assumed general authority. 
General Scott, to whom the President and Cabinet had in- 
trusted the entire direction of the military operations of the 
Government, was at first ill-disposed to communicate at all 
with any civil commission on war matters ; but on the interpo- 
sition of Mr. Seward, he decided to recognize Mr. Haswell as 
the agent of the Defence Committee, and gave him a circular 
letter to the heads of the several military bureaus. 

Impatient at the threatened delays, the Committee on the 
25th April dispatched a message to the President by Mr. Geo. 
T. M. Davis. 

In an interview which took place on the evening of the 27th, 
the President expressed his own confidence in the safety of the 
capital, exphiined the reasons for his action in the withdrawal 
of the troops from Cockeysville, and urged a greater degree of 
patience and confidence on the part of the Committee and the 
citizens of New York. He closed with a declaration of the 
determination of the administration to avoid " everything like 
a sfirit of reveiuje toward the South." Mr. Seward was less 
moderate in his expressions, and his strictures upon the im- 
patience of the Committee verged upon bitterness. He dep- 
recated the unnecessary shedding of blood in view of the re- 
action which was already taking place, and censured the violent 
attacks of the press of New York upon the President's Cabinet. 

On the 29th, Mr. George L. Schuyler returned from Wash- 
ington, and made a verbal report to the Committee. The ad- 
ministration were evidently chagriued, and General Scott dis- 
contented, by the extent of the authority assumed and exercised 
by General Wool, with whom the Committee were in full accord 
Fearing his recall, the General Committee on the 30th, passed 
resolutions complimentary to General Wool, and earnestly re- 



22 

ques+ing approval and ratification of his conduct and action by 
the War Department. This endorsement was of no avail. A 
letter was addressed to him by the Adjutant General of the 
U. S. A., on the 28th April, expressing the wish of General 
Scott that he should return to Troy " to resume the routine 
duties of the department, and for the recovery of his health." 
General Wool had certainly exercised a large authority. He 
had chartered vessels, forwarded supplies, purchased ammuni- 
tion, garrisoned forts, directed the movement of troops, ordered 
the occupation of navy depots and army arsenals from Ports- 
mouth to St. Louis, supplied arms and ammunition of war to 
the Western governors ; in a word, had set in motion the entire 
military force of the North. On the 23d and 25th April, he 
had informed General Scott of his action ; on the 25th he gave 
similar information to Mr. Cameron, the Secretary of War, and 
finally had commissioned Col. Geo. L. Schuyler, a volunteer 
aid-de-camp, to call in person on the President, the Secretary 
of War, and General Scott, with a verbal report. 

Col. Schuyler reported on the morning of the 1st May, 
that he had been unable to obtain any information on the sub- 
ject of his mission. On the evening of the same day General 
Wool received his letter of withdrawal from the post, and the 
Committee was requested to confer with the officers of the 
general staff with regard to the purchase and forwarding of army 
supplies. 

The complete isolation of the capital appears from a dis- 
patch from Mr. F. W. Seward, Assistant Secretary of State, to 
the Committee. On the 30th April he telegraphed to Mr. 
Simeon Draper — " To-day, for the first time in ten days, we 
have received New York papers." Indeed, it was not until the 
3d May that the route from Washington to Philadelphia, via An- 
napolis, was complete in its mail transport — one military and 
one passenger train daily, from Washington to Annapolis. 

Be^'ond the routine of equipment, supply and relief, the 



23 

Committee were called upon on other subjects of no less im- 
portance. Thej were in constant receipt of information with 
regard to the treasonable actions of individuals, whom they re- 
ported either for surveillance or arrest. In conjunction Avitli 
the police authorities they organized a system of passes, with- 
out which no person could reach the Capital or cross the Fed- 
eral lines, the authorities at Washington governing their action 
in regard to New York citizens by the advice of the Committee. 
They sent also the first ambulances to the field, supplied the 
army hospitals at Washington with mattresses, and distributed 
baggage-wagons to the New York regiments. A private dis- 
patch-service was organized by special messengers, to whom 
the military and civil authorities intrusted their communica- 
tions during the isolation of Washington. They also organized 
a supervision over the telegrams relating to military affairs. 
The condition of affairs in the border States, and the propriety 
of arming Union men in these States were brought to the 
consideration of the Committee, and their assistance was 
invoked. On the 26th of April, Mr. Dix, to whom a confiden- 
tial communication from gentlemen of the Seuth asking for 
arms, had been referred, made a favorable report, and one 
thousand stand of arms and one hundred rounds of ammuni- 
tion were supplied. 

An application for arms was made by the Union men of 
Kentucky, with the approval of the Hon. James B. Guthrie. 
They proposed to reimburse the Committee for the purchase. On 
the 27th, on the recommendation of Mr. Dix, one thousand stand 
of arms, and one hundred rounds of ammunition were ordered. 
They were intended for use at Louisville, to prevent the seces- 
sion of the State. The arms were shipped to New Albany, and 
Mr. John W. Dix, son of Mr. John A. Dix, went to that place to 
see that the cases fell into safe hands. On the 30th they were 
recalled. 

On the 30th Messrs. CarUsle and Morss appeared before 



v^ 



24 

tbe Committee, and invited their inter[-)osition to save Western 
Virginia to the Union. The inhabitants of that section had 
made application to Mr. Lincoln for one hundred thousand 
dollars, and five thousand Minie-rifles, until the Federal 
troops should occupy the State, and their request -R'as sup- 
ported by prominent gentlemen from the Northern States, 
Mr. "W'm, E. Dodge visited Washington and represented the 
views of the Committee, and made a verbal report of his action 
to it upon his return, the 7th of May. 

Still another incident shows the variety of duties imposed 
on the Committee. On the 3d of May a telegram from Mr. 
John M. Forbes of Boston gave information of the sale of a 
British steamer, the Peerless, at Toronto, on Lake Ontario, and 
measures were at once taken to ascertain the circumstances of 
the sale and the destination of the vessel. It was understood 
that she was fitting hastily for Quebec, and it was feared that she 
was intended for Confederate seiTice. The authorities at the 
Boston Nav;)- Yard were notified and promised to give her their 
attention, and Mr. Seward communicated to the Committee his 
order to the Commander of all the naval forces to seize the ves- 
sel wherever found and bring her into port. This steamer was 
later purchased by the United States Government and left To- 
ronto on the 2-l:th of May. 

On the 3d of May the Secretary of State was notified by 
telegram that the Committee had positive information of a 
heavy shipment of arms from Belgium to the ports of Mobile 
and New Orleans imder a contract for fift}- thousand stand en- 
tered into by the States of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and 
Georgia. Tbe Committee suggested to the Secretary that the 
Blockade Squadron be at once informed. 

Applications for arms poured in from the Western States. 
On May the Tth General Butler asked for ten thousand fa- 
tigue uniforms, tents, bed-sacks, lamps, kettles, tin cups, can- 
teens, etc., for the troops in the field. Mattresses were shipped 



25 

to Washington for the use of the troops, and one hundred cots i^ 
were sent at the request of Miss Dix to thti Washington Hospi- 
tals. Hospital stores were also forwarded for tlie Surgeon-Gen- 
eral's Department at Annapolis. The relief of families of volun- 
teers was carefully continued by the bureau established through- 
out the city. 

Messrs. Evarts, Pierrepont and Weed, the special committee 
appointed on the 28th to visit Washington, returned to the city 
on the 2d May. Mr. TIaswell, the agent of the Committee at 
W^ashington, had given definite answers to all the nine queries 
specified in their instructions. These were verbally reported by 
Mr. Evarts to the Committee. To the first query it was an- 
swered, that no more troops were wanted at Washington and 
that the line of the Potomac was open. On the 2d Mr. Has- 
well telegraphed from Perrysville, that the views of the author- 
ities as to the sending forward of troops were changed, but that 
none should be sent unless fully provided with camp equipage. 
General Scott had decided the change. 

Upon the report of these delegates the Committee addressed 
telegrams to the governors of each of the loyal States inquiring 
as to the number of troops in each entered into the service of 
the United States, and the condition of the local organizations, 
to which immediate replies were made. Everywhere the Com- 
mittee appears to have been recognized as the most effective 
agent in the defence of the Union. Replies were received from 
thirteen of the governors within twenty -four hours with intelli- 
gence that sixty-three regiments were organized and twenty- 
four additional were ready to be called into the field if needed. 
On the 3d the information received in reply was dispatched to 
Mr. Cameron, Secretary of War. 

On the 3d May the President issued a proclamation calling 
out more men, of whom forty-two thousand and thirty -four vol- 
unteers to serve for three years. On the 6th May Colonel 
George L. Schuyler was appointed in tlie place of Mr. Haswell, 



2G 

and commissioned permanent agent of the Committee at Wasli- 
ington. He left for tlie capital the next day. On the 6th May 
the Committee telegraphed to Governor Morgan at Albany that 
they were in possession of reliable information that Washington' 
was in immediate danger ; and on the same day, upon the inter- 
position of Mr. James S. Wadsworth on behalf of the Commit- 
tee, the Governor ordered the 20th Regiment (Ulster Guard) N, 
Y. S. M., Colonel George W. Pratt, to take the night train for 
Washington. Colonel Pratt, the commander of this regiment, 
was a New York merchant. Its members had been increased 
from four hundred to eight hundred men. They arrived in New 
York city from Kingston on the 28th April and had been wait- 
ing at the Park barracks for transportation to the Capital ; but 
on Sunday afternoon, the 5tli of Ma}', a special order was re- 
ceived from the Governor directing their return to their homes. 
The ground of the recall Avas the unwillingness at Washington 
to receive further militia organizations. Mr. Wadsworth had 
personally urged Colonel Pratt to submit the pioposition to 
enlist for two years to his regiment, but met with a distinct 
refusal. In consequence he had recommended the Governor to 
order their return. Bat on the information that Washington 
was again in danger the Governor countermanded his order and 
directed their instant departure. To the request of the Commit- 
tee the Governor replied that every requisition of the general 
government had been promptly responded to, and that he had 
no information as to the danger of the capture of the capital. 
The same day Messrs. Draper and Marshall were instructed 
to proceed immediately to Washington to wait upon Mr. 
Lincoln and the Government authorities with information 
as to the condition of public alTairs. The gentlemen left the 
next morning and the Committee ordered an immediate report 
of the condition of the regiments in the city. The same day 
they received from General Scott a memorandum of the several 
bureaus in the city of New York and the duties of each, and a 



27 

pressing recommendation to communicate with them in relation 
to all transactions relating to their particular departments. 
On May 6tli Mr. Andrew Warner, formerly colonel of the 5th 
Regiment N. Y. S. M., was appointed by the Committee mili- 
tary inspector, and the next day Major Alexander Hamilton, Jr., 
was assigned to the same duty in conjunction with the first- 
named gentleman. 

On the Gtli the Committee received a request from Mr. Sew- 
ard to supply the IJDion men of Kentucky with five thousand 
stand of arms. The situation of the State was now determined. 
The Union sentiment was strongly in the ascendant, and Major 
Anderson had accepted the command of the Kentucky brigade. 
An order of the Ordnance Department being necessary to the is- 
sue of arms from Springfield, the Committee made arrangements 
with the Governor for their supply from the State arsenal at New 
York, but on further consideration the Governor withdrew his 
consent. On the IStli the Committee again endeavored to pro- 
cure for Col. Anderson the five thousand stand of arms, and 
ordered the delivery to him of those they had purchased early 
in the month. Arms were also dispatclied to Cincinnati. 

Mr. Draper telegraphed from Washington to the Committee 
on May 8th that there was no difference between the views of the 
Committee and those of the Government and advised a continu- 
ance of the policy of the Committee — in other words, the rapid 
organization and forwarding of troops. In reply the Committee 
ansM^ered requesting orders from the Secretary of War and 
stating that there were five regiments ready to take the field. 
These were the 14th Eegiment, Brooklyn, N. Y. S. M.; the 5th 
Kew York Volunteers (Zouaves), Colonel Duryee ; the 9th 
New York Volunteers (Zouaves) ; the 2d N. Y. S. M., Colonel 
Thompson, and the 10th New York Volunteers, Colonel McChes- 
ney. 

On the 9th the Committee was informed that General Sand- 
ford had received orders to " keep nothing back," and authority 



23 

had been received from both tlie Secretary of War and General 
Scott to push forward tlie troops. Copy of the dispatch was at 
once communicated to Albany, and the Kedar was placed at the 
disposal of the General for the conveyance of the 1 4th Regiment, 
Brooklyn, wlio were impatient to march. The Maj-or of Brook- 
lyn was also urgent for their movement. But General Sandford 
had no orders. A telegram was accordingly sent to Governor 
Morgan informing: him that the 14th was ready and complete, and 
could be on board the transport in an hour. To this the Gov- 
ernor answered that no regiments other than two-years men 
could be sent forward under the order from Washington, and 
that no ships should be chartered to convey troops to Washing- 
ton except by his own orders. The 2d N. Y. S. M. and the 14th, 
it will be remembered, were three-months men, whom the Gov- 
ernment were no longer willing to accept. On the 10th a letter 
was received from Messrs. Draper and Marshall with an account 
of their visits to the President, the several Secretaries, and to 
General Scott. They found some conflict of opinion among the 
members of the Cabinet and but little opening for the general 
usefulness of the Committee. They gave advice of the saihng 
of Commodore Stringham to the Chesapeake to take charge of 
the squadron. Mr. Draper returned on the 11th and reported 
the state of affairs at Washington. A telegram was dispatched 
to Colonel Schuyler, the Committee's agent at Washington, 
instructing him to procure an order immediately from the Presi- 
dent on Governor Morgan to send on the five regiments, 
including the 2d and 14th N. Y. S. M. The next day. Gen- 
eral Dix, who had visited Albany, returned to the city and re- 
ported that the Governor had determined not to accept any fur- 
ther portion of the regiments organized in the city of New York. 
On receipt of this information the Committee passed resolutions 
of protest against the decision of the State authorities not to 
receive the organizations raised bj the Committee on behalf of 
the corporation and citizens of New York, and appointed a 



^> 



29 

committee to visit Washington and urge the acceptance of 
these regiments. The committee consisted of Messrs. Fish, 
Sloan, Eussell, Blatchford, Low, Richards and Astor. On the 
13th a telegram was received from Colonel George L. Schuyler 
reporting that he had just had an interview with the President, 
the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of War, at the White 
House ; that the Secretary of War said that he had given orders 
for all troops enlisted for the war to be forwarded from New 
York immediately, but that no more three-months men were 
wanted. He could not ascertain to whom the order had been 
issued. Mr. Seward recommended that all the two-years men 
be forwarded at once and information be given by telegrajih to 
Governor Morgan. ' The committee left on the 14th ; at Phila- 
delphia they took rail for Annapolis, and reached Washington 
in the evening. They visited the President the nest day, 
read to him the resolutions of the committee, and explained to 
him that, owing to the conflicting laws of the Federal and State 
Governments, the New York City regiments organized and 
ready could not be moved forward, to their own discontent and 
the general dissatisfaction of the community. 

Eeturning on the 16th by a special train, placed at their ser- 
vice by the Secretary of War, they reported, on the 17th, that 
they had accomplished their mission. They had been au- 
thorized to prepare and equip fourteen regiments, including such 
of the N. Y. S. M. as had tendered their service for three years. 
This report was published in the newspapers of the 18th. While 
the Committee was in session on the 18th, Mr. Russell received 
a private letter from Mr. Lincoln expressing a fear of delay on 
the part of the Governor in dispatching the regiments (" see-saw- 
ing," as he terms it), and urging liim to "cut the knots and 
send them right along." Mr. Russell answered the letter and 
inclosed to him a copy of the telegram to the Secretary of War 
asking whether his order to Governor Morgan corresponded 
with that to the committee. It was understood that the Gov- 



30 

ernor was about to dis patch five regiments to Washington and 
nine to Fortress Monroe. 

The same day the committee selected for service the 2d, 
9th, 14th and 79th regiments, and determined to forward the 79th 
and llth to Washington. On the 18th ten additional regiments 
were selected, and the number of fourteen authorized was com- 
pleted. The organizations selected were No. 1, Anderson 
Zouaves, Colonel Eiker ; No. 2, DeKalb Eegiment, Colonel Yon 
Gilsa ; No. 3, Mozart Hall Eegiment, Colouel Eiley ; No. 4, Tam- 
many Eegiment, Colonel Kennedy ; No. 5, Garibaldi Guard, 
Colonel d'Utassy ; No. 6, New York Legion, Colonel Adams ; 
No. 7, Firemen's Zouaves, Colonel Graham ; No. 8, 11th Eegiment 
N. Y. S. Yolunteers, Colonel Maidhoff ; No. 9, 1st Scott Life 
Guard, Colonel Ward; No. 10, 55th N. Y. S. Militia, Colonel 
Legal. A condition of the acceptance of these regiments was 
their enrollment for service for three years, or for the war, at 
the option of the President. 

~^ On the 29tli the 14th Eegiment (Brooklyn), N. Y. S. M., which 
had been encamped for weeks at Washington Park, received 
marching orders and left in the evening by cars for Washington, 
via Philadelphia and Baltimore. The several companies ex- 
pressed their williugness to serve for the war. On the 20th the 
2d Eegiment, N. Y. S. M., Colonel Tompkins, which had been 
encamped at the Battery for three weeks, received new uni- 
forms from the Union Defence Committee and took the cars for 
Washington. They passed through Baltimore, w-ith loaded 
revolvers but unloaded guns, without trouble. This regiment 
although a part of the N. Y. S. M., marched against the express 
orders of Governor Morgan. 

All the regiments belonging to the First Division, except 
the TOtli (Highlanders) N. Y. S. M., having been sent forward, 
Major-General Sandford, who had been assigned to the com- 
mand of all the New York forces within the District of Columbia, 
transferred his headquarters to the Capital. The 79th were 



31 

detained in the city until the 2d June, when they also were for- 
warded. 

The Board of State Officers, at Alban}-, on the 17tli May, 
organized the First Division of Volunteers ; the First Brigade 
consisted of the 1st, 2d, 3d, 5th and 9th Regiments, the Second 
Brigade of the 7th, 8th, 11th, and 20th. The division was placed 
under the command of John A. Dix, who was appointed Major- 
General on the 8th and assigned to the command of the volun- 
teer forces in and about the city of New York. His military 
duties requiring his entire attention, he resigned his position as 
President of the Union Defence Committee on the same day, and 
the Hon. Hamilton Fish was chosen in his place. General 
Dix continued as a member of the committee until he was 
ordered to the front. 

Immediately upon the acceptance of the ten regiments already 
named as a part of the fourteen additional regiments selected 
under the authority of the President, the committee, 19th May, 
informed the Governor of their action and the authority on 
which the regiments were designated for service. Before the 
letter was drafted, the committee learned of the dissatisfaction 
of the Governor at what he considered an interference with 
his authority, and embodied in their communication their, 
understanding of the wishes of the President, in the execution 
of which they disclaimed any intention to infringe upon the 
courtesy due to the chief magistrate of the State. On the 20th 
Mr. Cameron, the Secretary of War, telegraphed to the com- 
mittee that Mr. John Tucker was the only authorized agent for 
the transportation of troops, and that no obligations contracted 
for that purpose could be recognized or acknowledged if made 
by any one else. On the 23d the Advance Guard, 5th Eegi- 
ment, N. Y. Volunteers, Colonel Duryee, embarked on board 
the transport Alabama for Fortress Monroe. On Saturday the 
25th of May, a grand parade of all the regiments accepted by 
the committee was held for inspection under its oi'der. Eleven 



32 

regiments (three of the fourteen having already gone forward) 
appeared. The line was formed on Fourteenth Street and ex- 
tended from the East Eiver to the Hudson. The march was 
from Union Square through Broadway to the City Hall. The 
troops were reviewed by the Inspection Committee of the Union 
Defence Committee, attended by Colonel Keyes of the Regular 
Ai-my and Brigade-Major Smith'of the First Brigade N. Y. S. M. 
It was one of the finest military displays ever witnessed in New 
York city. The next morning (Sunday), Messrs. Fish, Sloan and 
Astor visited the Governor at Albany, and on their return the 
nextday verbally reported that he had expressed his desire to 
" act in perfect concert and good feeling toward the Committee.'' 

Four of the inspected regiments — viz., the Garibaldi Guard, 
the DeKalb, Mozart and Tammany, were raised and organized 
exclusively by the Union Defence Committee, by whom all 
their expenses of outfit, equipment and support, until marching 
orders were received, were defrayed. The Garibaldi Guard 
moved to Washington by rail on May 28th, the Mozart regi- 
ment by Elizabeth and Harrisbuig, July 4th ; the DeKalb regi- 
ment took the same route on July 8th, and the Tammany fol- 
lowed on the 18tli of the same month. 

The 9th N. Y. S. Militia, Col. Stiles, which had enlisted for 
the war, and whose equipment was completed by the Committee, 
was sent to the capital via Philadelphia, on May the 27th. 
The 4th N. Y. Volunteers (1st Regiment Scott Life Guard), Col. 
Taylor, was ordered by Gen. Dix to Fortress Monroe, and 
sailed on the Alabama on the 3d June. The Anderson Zouaves, 
Col. Biker, were dispatched via Elizabeth and Harrisburg, 
on the 21st of August. Adams' New York Legion, later known 
as the 1st Long Island or Brooklyn Phalanx, was numbered 
the 67th New York State Yolunteers. Its two wings had been 
stationed at Fort Schuyler and Fort Hamilton. A junction 
was made at the latter post, and the regiment left the city 
under Col. Cross, August 22d. On the 23d the 2d Regiment 



33 

Fire Zouaves, Col. Fairman, took the same route, and the 55th 
N. Y. S. Y. (Gardes Lafayette), which had passed to the com- 
mand of Col. Kegis de Trobriand, left by the Camden and 
Amboy Railroad on the 31st of the same month. The 11th Regi- 
ment, N. Y. S. M., Col. Maidhoff, composed mainly of Germans, 
did not go to the front as an organization, although large num- 
bers of its members enlisted for the war. The regiment was 
chiefly composed of men of family. Consulted on the 22d 
May they agreed to enlist for six months, or longer if requu'ed. 
They received, however, substantial aid from the Committee. 
They passed the annual inspection 434 strong on the 14th of 
October, and acted as a reserve. On the night of the 23d of 
May the forward movement of the United States troops began. 
The advancing line, which in numbers somewhat exceeded ten 
thousand men, was chiefly composed of New York troops. The 
New York Fire Zouave Regiment embarked on steamers at the 
Washington Navy Yard, and the next morning attacked Alex- 
andria. The 5th, 8th, 28th and 69tli New York regiments 
crossed the chain bridge from Georgetown. The 12th and 25th 
New York crossed the long bridge. They were followed by the 
New York 7th. The southern line of the Potomac was occu- 
pied from Alexandria to Georgetown. 

The satisfaction caused by the announcement of the cap- 
ture of Alexandria was dashed by the information which accom- 
panied it, of the assassination of Col. Ellsworth, of the Zouave 
Regiment, while descending the stairs of the Marshall House 
with a secession flag, which he had torn down with his own 
hands from a staff on the roof. 

The body of this lamented officer was brought to New York, 
where it was taken in charge by the Common Council, and 
lay in the Governor's Room at the City Hall, Sunday morning, 
the 26th May. In the afternoon a funeral procession was 
formed, which escorted the remains to the Albany steanjboat. 
The Union Defence Committee was represented among the 



34 

pall-bearers by Messrs. Fisli, Astor, Delion and Wetmore. On 
the 1st of June the 7tli Kegiment N. Y. S. M., Col. Lefferts, 
returned from Washington. " The important service rendered 
by that regiment in an hour of dark and trying necessity" was 
acknowledged by General Scott in special general orders, on 
their departure from the Capital. The Committee passed ap- 
propriate resolutions, which were presented by Mr. Astor to 
the command on its arrival at the Cortlandt Street Feny. 

On June 3d the Select Committee which visited Washing- 
ton on the 14th May to confer with the President in regard to 
the forwarding of regiments fi-om the city, was instructed to 
return to the seat of Government to complete the business con- 
fided to them. On the 8th Mr. Sloan, chairman of this com- 
mittee, reported the result of their interview with the President, 
and submitted a memorandum of suggestions in respect to the 
general management of the New York regiments, presented to 
him at his request. The same day the Committee, after in- 
structing the Select Committees on Outfit and Equipment of the 
three regiments still remaining, to report statements of expend- 
iture and liabilities, closed their stated meeting and adjourned 
to meet at the call of the chair and two members. An appro- 
priation of $25,000 was made to the Committee on Belief of 
Families. On the 12th the sum of $45,000 was voted to each 
of the three committee regiments, Mozart, Tammany and De 
Kalb, including expenditures already made, the aggregate sum 
to each to be exclusive of that incurred for arms and rations. 

On the 19 til it was resolved to sell such arms and ammuni- 
tion as remained on hand. The Major and Common Council 
were notified on the 21st June that the fund placed at the dis- 
posal of the Committee by the city ordinance was nearly ex- 
hausted, and that disbursements must shortly be discontinued 
untn the fund be reimbursed by the National or State Govern- 
ment for the supplies and equipment of the troops in the field. 

The Committee held occasional meetings during the summer 



35 

and autumn, which were mainly occupied with the settlement 
of their outstanding business. 

On the 25th July Major-General Wool, who, chafing at his 
inaction at Troy, was making an effort to secure a transfer to a 
point nearer the scene of action, appeared before the Commit- 
tee and presented a written statement of his action in concert 
with the Union Defence Committee, in the public exigency 
which threatened the Capital in April. General Wool read his 
statement, and it was unanimously approved by the Committee. 

On the 21st August the Executive Committee adopted and 
sent in a detailed report of expenditures in connection with the 
city fund of $1,000,000. On the 14th September the rooms at 
30 Pine Street, occupied by the several committees, were given 
up, an office only beiug retained for the completion of the out- 
standing business. Notwithstanding the apparent intention of 
the Committee to close up their trust, public necessities compelled 
a continuance of their active labors throughout the year. 

On the 25th September a further sum of $100,000 was 
appropriated in aid to regiments. On the 29th the Committee 
was informed by the comptroller of the receipt of $66,793.25 
from the Treasury Department in reimbursement of arms, etc., 
furnished by the Committee to the U. S. Government. On the 15th 
November the Committee resolved that no further appropriations 
in aid to regiments be made. On the 16tli November, $1,000 was 
appropriated in aid of the sufferers at Cape Hatteras and Hat- 
teras Inlet — loyal inhabitants on the coast of North Carolina. 

On the 25th November, upon tlie written information of Mr. 
William E. Dodge, just returned from Washington, a select 
Committee was appointed to visit the camps of the New York 
regiments in the field, to inquire into their condition and wants, 
especially those organized under its auspices. A copy of Mr. 
Dodge's letter was forwarded to Governor Morgan. On the 
30th December the Committee presented a silver vase and gold 
medal to Mr. Orison Blunt " as an expression of the sense enter- 



36 

tained by them of the valuable services rendered " by hira to 
the Committee. These services were gratuitously given in 
matters relating to military, arms and ammunition. 

At a meeting held on the 30th January, Judge Pierrepont 
introduced the subject of public affairs, and a general discussion 
ensued, which was continued the next evening, the same being 
made the special order. The discussion was again resumed on 
February 3d, when it was determined to summon a meeting of 
the General Committee for Monday, February the 10th. 

At this meeting the Union Defence Committee upon a divi- 
sion adopted a resolution urging " the immediate passage of 
the bill authorizing the issue of one hundred and fifty millions 
of dollars in Treasury notes to be made a legal tender, as abso- 
lutely essential to the financial success of the United States." 
A resolution was passed appointing a committee of five to con- 
sider the propriety of calling together a limited number of wise 
and patriotic citizens from different sections of the country for 
the purjDose of proposing measures for strengthening the hands 
of the Government. 

This resolution also was adopted on a division. This com- 
mittee, however, does not seem to have taken any action. 

On the 17th the Union Defence Committee resolved to hold 
a mass meeting of citizens on the 22d of February, Washington's 
Birthday, to give public expression to the popular joy at the 
recent victories of the loyal forces which culminated in the 
capture of Fort Donelson. The arrangements for the meeting 
were made by the Committee. This meeting was held at the 
Cooper Institute on the evening of Saturday, February 22d. It 
was called to order by the Hon. Hamilton Fish, the President of 
the Union Defence Committee, who nominated the Hon. George 
Opdyke, Mayor of the City, to preside. The Vice-Presidents 
were then nominated by Mr. Simeon Draper, the Chairman of 
the Executive Committee. Washington's Farewell Address was 
read by Judge Pierrepont. The resolutions were read by Mr. 



37 

Wm. M. Evarts, and speeches were made by the Hon. Henry 
J. Raymond and the Hon. Washington Hunt, Ex-Governor of 
the State, and letters read from Mr. Secretary Seward and others. 

The presence of General Scott added to the enthusiasm of 
the assemblage. A pamphlet containing a full account of the 
proceedings, with the imprint of George F. Nesbitt & Co., 1862, 
consisting of forty-six pages, was published by the Committee. 
The Committee having experienced some difficulty in obtain- 
ing reimbursement from the War Department for ordnance 
purchased, a report was called for from its Secretary in January. 
On the 20th April, Judge Pierrepont was requested to present 
to the War Department the claim of the Committee for reim- 
bursement of ordnance to regiments of volunteers, and a com- 
mittee appointed to act in concert in the establishment of the 
case before the Department. 

On the 30th April the Secretary laid before the Executive 
Committee the trial balance sheets of the City Fund and also 
of the Private Fund, and submitted a Report comprising a 
general survey of the action of the Union Defence Committee, 
with selections from its correspondence. This report was pub- 
lished with the imprint of Baptist & Taylor, New York, 1862. 

On May 5, 1862, Mr. Orison Blunt, who also had been 
delegated by the Committee (November 13, 1861) to obtain 
payment from the War Department for the arms sold to Gen- 
eral John C. Fremont by the Committee, was requested to pay 
the same, forty thousand dollars, into the hands of the Comp- 
troller of the city. This day one thousand dollars was appro- 
priated to the Ladies' Relief Association at the Cooper Union. 
On the 8th May, Mr. George L. Schuyler was employed as an 
agent to prosecute the claims on the War Department. 

On the 26th May the Committee again considered their 
labors as closed, and after appropriating $3,500, in aid of sick 
and wounded soldiers — to the several relief associations of 
the City Hospital, to the Park Barracks $1,000, the Ladies' 



38 

Central Relief Association $1,000, tlie Soldiers' Home, Lexiug- 
ton Avenue, $1,000, the New England Soldiers' Relief Associa- 
tion $500 — resolved to recommend to the General Committee to 
pay over to the United States Sanitary Commission the balance 
of the Private Fund; but the Union Defence Committee, having 
resolved on the 8tli that it was inexpedient to dissolve the or- 
ganization, and the importance of recruiting the regiments in 
the field being pressed upon the Executive Committee, the res- 
olution of May 26th was rescinded on July 30th, and $12,000 
was appropriated for this purpose. The disbursements under 
the appropriation were applied to additional bounties to men 
enlisting in the regiments. 

This seems to have closed the labors of the Executive Com- 
mittee. At a meeting held in October, 1862, the Comptroller 
was authorized to collect the accounts of the City for reimburse- 
ment of advances made to volunteers. 

On May 11, 1864, a meeting of the Union Defence Com- 
mittee was called to take action on the death of General James 
S. Wadsworth, one of its original members. On May 21st an 
adjourned meeting on the same subject was held at the rooms 
of the Chamber of Commerce, and resolutions of sympathy with 
the family were adopted. 

A joint meeting of the Union Defence Committee and of the 
Executive Committee was held on the 10th February, 1865, at 
the office of the Sun Mutual Insurance Company, when some 
claims were presented. The committees adjourned to meet at 
the same place in joint session on the 15tli February, 1865. 
From a pencil memorandum of the Secretary, it appears that no 
meeting was held: In the course of its labors the Executive 
Committee held 112 meetings, of which 97 were held between 
April 23 and December 30, 1861. 

The outstanding claims against the Committee were settled 
under the advice of counsel by requisitions signed by a majority 
of the Committee, 



APPENDIX TO HISTORY 



THE GEEAT UPEISING 

CALL FOR A PATRIOTIC MASS MEETING 

The following call is in circulation, and lias been numerously 
signed by leading men without regard to politics : 

PATRIOTIC MASS MEETING. 
Fellow- Citizens : The darkest period in our nation's history 
has arrived ; we are passing through the most fearful ordeal to 
which our experiment of popular institutions has ever been 
subjected. Our patriot sires struggled through a long and 
bloody conflict to secure for their children the blessings we have 
enjoyed, and labored to frame a Government that would protect 
the rights and reflect the wishes of the people. To guard 
against usurpation and foster healthy progress, they provided 
for frequent elections and a legal method of amending the Con- 
stitution ; thereby rendering resistance to the laws, or revolu- 
tion against the Government, not only unnecessary, but morally 
and legally criminal. Notwithstanding this wise and equitable 
method of correcting mistakes in policy, improving the laws, or 
altering the compact by peaceful means, misguided men have 
fomented passion and prejudice to such a degree that it has 
ripened into treason and rebellion, so that our once prosperous 
nation trembles to its center. The delusive dream and empty 
hope that the war clouds that skirted the southern horizon 
might pass away has failed, and the dreaded catastrophe of an 
armed conflict is upon us. The time has come when political 



40 

differences should give way to a patriotism whicli knows no 
party but our country, recognizes no revolution but through the 
ballot box, and acknowledges no man as brother who refuses 
allegiance to the Government. All good citizens who prize 
liberty with order, over usurpation and anarchy, are invited to 
assemble in mass convention, to give expression to the views of 
the city of New York in the present emergency. — New Yo7'k 
Daily Tribune, Monday, April 15, 1861. 

MEETING OF MERCHANTS TO SUSTAIN THE GOVERNMENT 

A meeting of the solid men of "Wall Street was held yester- 
day afternoon at 2 o'clock, to take preliminary measures for an 
immediate meeting of the citizens of New York, for the pur- 
pose of devising measures for sustaining the Government. 
The meeting consisted of some of the largest capitalists and 
most influential of our citizens. 

Mr. C K. Robert was chosen the chairman, and Mr. S. B. 
Chittenden, secretary. 

The following gentlemen were nominated to co-operate with 
the Committee in calling a meeting of our citizens at once : 

Charles H. Maishall, Jolin A. Dix, 

Ij. G. B. Cannon, Sam. Sloan, 

R, H. McCurdy, C. V. S. Roosevelt, 

Moses Taylor, S. B. Hunt, 

C. R. Robert, J. J, Astor. 

The following resolutions were also passed : 

Besolved, That it is the sense of this meeting that before 
the Legislature adjourns a law be passed to provide adequate 
means for putting the miUtia of this State in a condition to 
meet the exigencies of the present state of the country, and to 
respond promptly to the demands of the Government, whatever 
they may be, for the support of the Union and the enforce- 
ment of the laws. 



41 

Resolved, That the Secretary of this meeting send a tele- 
graphic message informing the Governor at Albany at once. 

The committee named above met last evening at the house 
of R. S. McCurdy, No. 10 East Fourteenth Street, and measures 
were taken to prepare a call and draft resolutions and procure 
speakers for a meeting to be held without delay. The sub- 
committee will meet at the rooms of the Chamber of Com- 
merce this morning at 10 o'clock. — New York Daily Tribune, 
Tuesday, April 16, 1861. 



Some of the leading merchants of the city have taken the 
initiative step showing how entirely they sustain the govern- 
ment. At half-past two yesterday [Monday, April 15th] a pre- 
liminary meeting was held at No. 30 Pine Street, to make 
arrangements for a grand mass meeting in support of the 
administration in the pending crisis. Among those present 
were Simeon Draper, Le Grand B. Cannon, S. B. Chittenden, 
James H. Halsted, James De Peyster, Bob. H. McCurdy, Wm. 
M. Evarts, G. W. Blunt, C. E. Robert, and W. W. De Forest. 

Mr. C. B. Robert was chosen chairman, and S. B. Chit- 
tenden, secretary. After remarks by several, expressing the 
necessity of prompt and energetic action in support of the 
government, a committee of ten was appointed to arrange for 
a public meeting. The following gentlemen were named as 
such committee : C. H. Marshall, J. J. Astor, Moses Taylor, 
John A. Dix, Seth B. Hunt, C. V. S. Roosevelt, L. G. B. Can- 
non, Samuel Sloan, R. H. McCurdy, and C. R. Robert. 

The committee named above met last evening at the resi- 
dence of Mr. Robert H. McCurdy, No. 10 East Fourteenth Street. 

Measures were taken to prepare a call and draft resolutions 
for a public meeting to be held without delay. The sub-com- 
mittee will meet at 10 o'clock this morning at the rooms of the 
Chamber of Commerce. 

Mr. Draper offered a resolution requesting the Governor to 



42 

transmit a message to the Legislature desiring that body to 
make an additional appropriation to place the militia on a war 
footing, to a number not less than 25,000 men. Some discussion 
arose as to the amount, Mr. S. B. Hunt advocating $2,500,000. 
The amount, however, was left to the discretion of the Execu- 
tive, to be named by him, and the resolution amended so as to 
provide for the equipment of the State militia. 

A resolution instructing the Secretary to telegraph the 
resolution to Albany was carried, and immediately obeyed. — 
The World, New Yorh, Tuesday, April 16, 1861. 

THE MERCHANTS' COMMITTEE 

The committees appointed at the meeting held in this city on 
Monday evening, at the house of Mr. E. H. McCurdy, met at the 
rooms of the Chamber of Commerce yesterday. Capt. Charles 
H. Marshall presided, and Mr. Seth B. Hunt acted as Secretary. 
A committee of six was appointed on resolutions and speakers, 
consisting of Messrs. John A. Dix, Daniel Lord, Russell 
Sturgis, William Curtis Noyes, A. A. Low, Moses Taylor. On 
motion, the name of Mr. Wm. M. Evarts was added to the 
committee. 

A call for a meeting on Friday evening was at first adopted, 
but subsequently reconsidered, as there are many other com- 
mittees acting for a like purpose, and the following call issued 
for a meeting at the rooms of the Chamber of Commerce this 
morning at 11 o'clock. 

" The several committees representing the organizations 
formed for the purpose of giving proper form and expression 
to the sentiment so unmistakably manifested by the citizens of 
New York and its vicinity in favor of sustaining the authority 
of the Constitution and the laws of the country, are invited to 
meet at the rooms of the Chamber of Commerce, on the corner 
of William and Cedar Streets, on Wednesday, at 11 o'clock, 
A.M., to make the necessary arrangements for a general meeting 



43 

of all friends of our government, irrespective of former j^olitical 
opinions or orgaw'satio7is" 

There is no doubt that the public demonstration will be the 
grandest ever made here. The following call is receiving the 
signatures of men of all parties : 

" The undersigned invite their fellow-citizens of New York 
and its vicinity, without regard to previous political opinions or 
associations, to meet at such time and place as may be arranged 
hereafter, to express their sentiments in the present crisis in 
our national affairs, and their determination to uphold the 
Government of theh^ country, and maintain the authority of its 
Constitution and its Laws." New York, April 16, 1861. — JVew 
York Daily Tribune, Wednesday, Ajjril 17, 1861. 



The committee appointed on Monday, at a general meeting 
of the prominent merchants of the city, to arrange the prelimi- 
nary matters for a grand mass meeting in support of the 
administration, met yesterday morning at the Chamber of 
Commerce. The following are the names of the committee : 
C. H. Marshall, Chairman ; J. J. Astor, Moses Taylor, John A. 
Dix, Seth B. Hunt, C. V. S. Koosevelt, L. G. B. Cannon, Samuel 
Sloan, R. H. McCurdy, and C. R. Robert. The following are 
appointed a committee to draft resolutions and choose speakers : 
Messrs. John A. Dix, Daniel Lord, A. A. Low, Jonathan 
Sturges, William C. Noyes, William M. Evarts, and Moses Taylor. 

This committee will report to a committee of two hundred 
merchants, who will meet at the Chamber of Commerce to-day, 
and make the final arrangement of resolutions and speakers. 
In the mean time, the following call is to be signed by numerous 
prominent men, and circulated : 

"The citizens of New York and its vicinity, without regard 
to previous political opinions or associations, are invited to 

meet on Friday evening at the • , at half-past seven o'clock, 

to express their sentiments on the present crisis in our national 



44 



affairs, and their determination to uphold the government of their 
country and maintain the authority of its constitution and hxws." 
The meeting will probably be held at Cooper Institute. The 
Committee of Two Hundred will meet at 11 o'clock to-day. — 
The World, New York, Wednesday, April 17, 1861. 



An adjourned meeting of merchants, and prominent business 
men of all classes, was held yesterday noon at the Chamber of 
Commerce, to consult upon the state of the country, and to 
make arrangements for a mass meeting of the citizens of New 
York, to sustain the government in the approaching contest 
with treason and rebellion. Among the prominent citizens 
present were Koyal Phelps, Hamilton Fish, Pelatiah Perit, 
Hiram Ivetchum, George Opdyke, K. B. Minturn, Simeon 
Baldwin, Thomas B. Stillman, Simeon Draper, W. E. Dodge, 
Ed. :Minturn, J. S. T. Stranahan, R. H. McCurdy, S. B. Chit- 
tenden, Peter Cooper, C. H. Marshall, W. H. Neilson, Washing- 
ton Smith, Stewart Brown, A. V. Stout, E. A. Lambert, L. G. B. 
Cannon, Denning Duer, John A. Dix, W. M. Evarts, S. B. 
Buggies, C. E. Robert, J. H. GourHo, S. B. Hunt, Geo. W. 
Blunt, W. C. Noyes, E. T. Haws, Hugh Maxwell, W. V. Brady, 
James Gallatin, J. H. Titus, De Forest Manice, J. D. Jones, 
Joseph Hoxie, Shepherd Knapp, John A. Stevens, B. F. Man- 
ierre, Norman Francis, W. Allen Butler, T. G. Glaubensklee, 
Ellwood Walter, Dr. Fisher, F. R. Winston, and Moses Taylor. 

Captain Marshall occupied the chair, and Seth B. Hunt 
acted as secretary. Committees from the Stock Exchange and 
from the Citizens' Committee presented themselves, and ex- 
pressed the desire of those whom they represent to co-operate 
with the action of the merchants. They were cordially received, 
and invited to take part in the councils. 

W. M. Evarts, from the Committee on Resolutions, appointed 
at the previous meeting, reported that, on consultation, it had 
been thought best by said committee to defer the presentation 



45 

of the resolutions which had been drafted until the mass meet- 
ing was held. 

On motion of Governor Fisli, the action of the Committee 
was approved of, and they were requested to perfect the reso- 
lutions in time for the mass meeting. 

Mr. Chittenden suggested that the proposal to hold the mass 
meeting at the Cooper Institute on Friday evening had better be 
abandoned, as the accommodations would be insufficient ; and he 
moved that the meeting be held in Union Square, around the 
statue of Washington, on Saturday, at 3 o'clock p.m. Mr. S. B. 
Ruggles seconded the motion, and it was unanimously carried. 

On the suggestion of Mr. Stewart Brown, it was recommended 
that all citizens close their places of business at two o'clock on 
Saturday, so as to enable all who desired to attend the meeting. 
The Chairman and Finance Committee were empowered to 
make all the necessary arrangements for the meeting. On the 
statement of Mr. Evarts, that the Seventh Regiment, National 
Guard, might be needed in Washington before Saturday, a sub- 
scription to defray their expenses was started, and in a few 
minutes about $2,000 was subscribed for that purpose, which 
has probably ere this been increased to a much larger amount. 
The thanks of the meeting were tendered to the Governor and 
Legislature for their prompt response to the call of the Presi- 
dent. Subscriptions to defray the expenses of the mass meet- 
ing may be sent to Le Grand B. Cannon, Treasurer, at " Grant 
& Sons," 62 Wall Street.— ^Ae JVew York Times, Thursday, 
April 18, 1861. 

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CHAMBER OP COMMERCE 
[In response to the Proclamation of the President.] 

Friday, April 19, 1861. ^ 
Mr. Pelatiah Perit, President, in the chair. 
A large and enthusiastic meeting of members of the Cham- 
ber of Commerce was held at their rooms, April 19, at one 
o'clock P.M. 



4G 

Eesolntions carefully compiled were offered by Mr. George 
Opdyke, and seconded by Mr. Robert B. Minturn. 

Eemarks were made by Messrs. James Gallatin, Isaac 
Phillips, Royal Phelps, Simeon B. Chittenden, Prosper M. 
Wetmore, James Boorman, George W. Blunt, Ex-Governor John 
A. King, Elliot C. Cowdin, William H. Aspinwall and John A. 
Stevens. The resolutions then received an unanimous adoption, 
with three cheers given stand iug. 

On motion of Mr. William E. Dodge, a committee was 
formed to get up funds in aid of the volunteers of the city and 
their families. 

The following formed the committee: William E. Dodge, 
chairman, Charles H. Marshall, Royal Phelps, Robert H. 
McCurdy, Alonzo C. Richards, Theodore Dehon, treasurer, and 
Prosper M. Wetmore, secretary. — Annual Report of the Proceed- 
ings of the Chamber of Commerce, 1861-1862. 

[On the 23d of April this Select Committee merged itself in 
the Union Defence Committee. See Minutes U. D. C] 

STOCK EXCHANGE— UNION MOVEMENT 

Mr. Wm. H. Neilson, chau-man of a committee appointed 
by the New York Stock Exchange to co-operate with this 
movement, presented the following resolutions, which were 
received with applause, unanimously adopted, and ordered on 
file. 

Resolved, That we, members of the New York Stock Ex- 
change, impressed with a deep sense of the duty, which should 
animate every heart, of sustaining the government of the United 
States in support of the Constitution and laws, desire in this 
period of public exigency to give encouragement to the govern- 
ment by pledging our fidelity to the Union, and our resolute 
determination to stand by it under all circumstances. 

Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to repre- 
sent the New York Stock Exchange at a meeting of the com- 



47 

mittee representing tlie citizens of New York, to be held this 
day at the Chamber of Commerce. — New York World, Thurs- 
day, Ajyril 18, 1861. 

ACTION OF JOINT COMMITTEES ON MASS MEETING 

A meeting was held at the rooms of the Chamber of Com- 
merce, at 11 o'clock yesterday morning, in response to the fol- 
lowing call : 

" The several committees representing the organization 
formed for the purpose of giving proper form and expression," 
etc., etc. [See page 44.] 

Men of all parties were present, and in all there were about 
two hundred of our leading citizens, representing every business 
and profession. Captain Charles H. Marshall presided, and 
Mr. Seth B, Hunt acted as secretary. 

The chairman having called the meeting to order, reports 
were received from several committees. 

Mr. Neilson, President of the Stock Exchange Board, and 
chairman of the committee of that body, consisting of Messrs. 
Neilson, Smith, Bailey, Underhill, Gourlie and Vermilyea, pre- 
sented the following resolutions adopted by the committee : 

Mesolved, etc. [Here follows the resolution. See page 46.] 

Mr. Neilson said that the resolution was so full and expressive 
that no remarks were needed from him. The resolutions were 
received and ordered on file, and on motion of Mr. Perit, the 
Committee of the Stock Exchange were incorporated with the 
Committee of Six appointed yesterday, which consisted of 
Messrs. John A. Dix, Daniel Lord, Eussell Sturgis, William 
Curtis Noyes, A. A. Low, Moses Tajdor, and William M. 
Evarts. 

Mr. Chas. F. Partridge said that a number of citizens with 
whom he was associated had held meetings for the same end 
with the present one. He would like to have the call of those 
gentlemen read, that this meeting might jDass uj)on it. 



48 

[^Thia call appeared in the newspapers of Monday , April 15, 
1861. See page 42.] 

The call was greeted witli applause. 

Mr. E. H. McCurdy recited the action of the committee with 
which he was connected. Some one hundred and fifty or two 
hundred invitations had been sent out to gentlemen represent- 
ing every interest, the single issue presented being to sustain 
our country in its present crisis. The entrance of the Hon. 
John A. Dix at this point was the occasion of applause. 

Mr. Wm. M. Evarts said that at the request of the Chairman 
of the Committee on Resolutions, he would state the progress 
that had been made. It was expected, when they received their 
authority from the General Committee, that resolutions were to 
be prepared with a view to their presentation to a large meeting, 
representing all the citizens of New York. Upon confer- 
ence, the committee thought it would be best to ask this meet- 
ing that there might be added to their number any representa- 
tives of other organizations which might have taken steps 
toward the same common object, and that all resolutions be re- 
ferred to this committee, which should thus be augmented. 
There would be no desire to forestall action on the part of any- 
body, but only to give a united expression to the voice of the 
city — not to the merchant or the laboring man, or any particu- 
lar class, but, as far as may be, the city of New York and its 
population. He would propose that the whole subject of reso- 
lutions before the meeting be left to that committee, and 
no resolutions should be proposed without concurrence of 
aU. 

Ex-Gov. Hamilton Fish moved that the committee have 
power to increase their number. 

Mr. James Gallatin seconded the motion, which was unan- 
imously adopted. 

Mr. S. B. Chittenden, in reference to the place for holding 
the proposed meeting, said that no other such demonstration, as 



49 

this liad ever been witnessed in New York, They had never 
before had the stimulus for such a meeting. Cooper Institute 
was wholly inadequate to the occasion. He would suggest that 
Union Square and the statue of Washington be the place ; that 
it be held not later than 4 o'clock in the afternoon ; that the 
whole city close their places of business and make solemn im- 
posing demonstration. Cooper Union would hold not more than 
3,000, while at the lowest calculation there would not be less 
than 25,000 men present. Rain or shine, patriotism would be 
shown on that occasion. Mr. Chittenden submitted a motion to 
this effect, which was seconded by Mr. Samuel B. Buggies, who 
said he did so for the reason that we were in a Union, and not 
a mere rickety Confederacy — that we were in the United States, 
and not in the Confederate States. There was a peculiar pro- 
priety in having it in Union Square. 

Mr. McCurdy said that some objection had been raised to an 
open air meeting at this season of the year as the weather might 
be bad. Palace Garden could be obtained, which would hold 
20,000 or 30,000 men. 

There were cries from all over the room, Union Square ! 
Union Square ! Union Square ! Mr. McCurdy said that he 
was glad to find the wish of the meeting for Union Square, as 
he had first proposed it. 

The motion was finally amended to hold the meeting at 3 
o'clock on Saturday afternoon at Union Square, and adopted 
unanimously. It was moved that a recommendation be made 
for the closing of all places of business at 2 p.m. on Satur- 
day. Ex-Governor Fish hoped there would be no resolution 
of the kind passed. The patriotism of the people would 
adopt this course without a suggestion. The resolution was 
adopted. 

A committee was appointed to make the necessary arrange- 
ments in regard to platform, etc. 

Mr. P. Perit announced that there would be a special meet- 



50 

ing of the Chamber of Commerce at 1 o'clock on Saturday on 
this subject. 

Mr. Evarts said that from information, which he regarded as 
entirely reliable, the Seventh Regiment might be required to 
proceed to Washington before Saturday of this week. He held 
in his hand a paper to which names had been placed for the 
purpose of aiding in getting ready. Some one called for the 
reading of the names, but Mr. Evarts said that no one would 
1 ke to have the paper read until his name was among them. 
The remark was greeted with cheers, and forthwith gentle- 
men crowded around to subscribe and to sign the following 
call : 

The undersigned invite their fellow-citizens of New York and 
its vicinity, etc., etc. [See page 43.] 

Ex-Gov. Fish offered a resolution approving of the prompt 
action of the Government and Legislature of this State in re- 
sponse to the call of the President. Unanimously carried. The 
meeting then adjourned. 

The subscribers to the expense of the City Meeting to be 
held at Union Square, in relation to the crisis in our national 
affairs, are requested to send the amount of their subscriptions 
to Le Grand B. Cannon, Treasurer, at Grant & Sons' office. No. 
62 Wall Street. — Neio York Daily Tribune, Thursday, April 18, 
1861. 

ACTION OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ON MASS MEETING 

At a meeting on Thursday, April 18, of the Executive Com- 
mittee of citizens, to make arrangements for a mass meeting 
on Saturday next, 20th inst., to express their sentiments on the 
present crisis, and to support the Government, it was 

Resolved, That the Committee of Arraugements for the mass 
meeting recommend that all citizens and societies be requested 
to refrain from displaying any other banner or motto, except 
our national flag, on Saturday next. 



61 

Resolved, That the Hon. John A. Dix be requested to act as 
presiding officer at the meeting on Saturday next. 

On motion of Capt. C. H. Marshall, it was unanimously 
Resolved, That Major Kobert Anderson, U. S. A., his officers 
and men, be invited to attend the mass meeting on Saturday 
next, and that a Committee of five gentlemen be appointed by 
the chairman to wait upon them to make arrangements for their 
public reception. 

The Chairman named the following as the committee : 
Charles H. Marshall, John C. Hamilton, Samuel B. Euggles, 
S. B. Chittenden, Denning Duer, and the Executive Committee 
adjourned to Friday at 11 o'clock a.m., at the rooms of the 
Chamber of Commerce. 

R. H. McCuRDY, Chairman, Ex. Com. 
I. Smith Homans, Secretary. 

The following list comprises the names of the Committee on 
Resolutions and Speakers for the Saturday mass meeting. It 
embraces all shades of political opinion : 

John A. Dix, Chairman, 
William M. Evarts, Ira B. Davis, Elijah F. Purdy, 

Daniel Lord, Wm. Curtis Noyes, Gilbert H. Scribner, 

Jonathan Sturges, A. A. Low, Henry Nicoll. 

John Cochrane, Moses Taylor, 

This Committee met at the house of John A. Dix last even- 
ing, and sent invitations to prominent speakers of all political 
parties, and adjourned to meet at the same place this evening, 
to adopt appropriate resolutions for the occasion. — New York 
Daily Tribune, Friday, April 19, 1861. 

PUBLIC CALL 

The undersigned invite their fellow-citizens of New York and 
its vicinity, without regard to previous political of)inions or 
associations, to meet at such time and place as may be arranged 



52 



hereafter, to express their sentiments in the present crisis in our 
national affairs, and their determination to uphold the Govern- 
ment of their country and maintain the authority of its Consti- 
tution and its laM's. 
New York, April 16, 1861. 



John A. Dix, 
Pelatiah Perit, 
Wm. F. Havemeyer, 
Chas. II. Marshall, 
James Boorman, 
John A. King, 
William B. Astor, 
Moses Taylor, 
Alex. T. Stewart, 
August Belmont, 
Jonathan Sturges, 
Elijah F. Tardy, 
Robert B. Minturn, 
C. V. S. Roosevelt, 
Benj. R. Winthrop. 
Morris Ketchum, 
A. V. Stout, 
Hamilton Fish, 
George Bancroft, 
Luther Bradish, 
Greene C. Bronson, 
William C. Noyes, 
Robert L. Stuart, 
Samuel Sloan, 



George Opdyke, 
John Cochrane, 
John A. Stevens, 
C. R. Robert, 
Royal Phelps, 
A. A. Low, 
William V. Brady, 
R. A. Witthaus, 
Theodore Dehon, 
A. W. Bradford, 
George Folsom, 
William E. Dodge, 
John J. Cisco, 
James W. Beekman, 
Wilson G. Hunt, 
Robert H. McCurdy, 

E. E, Morgan, 
Charles King, 

F. S. Winston, 
Alexander Duncan, 
Myron H. Clark, 
Stewart Brown, 
Simeon Draper, 



William T. Coleman, 
Joseph Hoxie, 
Ezra Nye, 
John David Wolfe, 
John J. Phelps, 
Richard Schell, 
William H. Appleton, 
Thos. B. Stillman, 
William A. Neilson, 
Peter Cooper, 
F. A. Conkling, 
Isaac Delaplaine, 
Charles H. Russell, 
O. D. F. Grant, 
David Hoadley, 
James Gallatin, 
Moses H. Grinnell, 
Wm. M. De Forest, 
William M. Evarts, 
W. Butler Duncan, 
Wm. Whitewright, Jr., 
James S. Wadsworth, 
Wm. A. Booth, 
Amos R. Eno, 



Shepherd Knapp, 
Simeon Baldwin, and several hundred others. 

— Neio York Daily Tribune, Friday, April 19, 1861. 

Note by the Editor. — Reviewing the action of the citizens 
of New York, as here recorded by the press of the day, it is in- 
teresting to notice the spontaneity of the movements, the una- 
nimity of all classes iu the final proceedings, and the con- 
fidence of all in the wisdom and patriotism of the distinguished 
gentlemen chosen to give voice to the feeling which animated 



53 

our entire population regardless of previous party prejudices 
and party preferences. It was natural, in this great commercial 
city, whose growth and prosperity bear perpetual testimony to 
the wisdom of our fathers in framing and consummating " a 
more perfect Union " by the adoption of the Constitution of the 
United States, which ratified by " the people," had since 1789 
been recognized as the fundamental law of the Republic, that 
the people should take the initiative in demonstration of their 
attachment to the Union, their loyalty to the Government, and 
their unalterable determination to resist, to the uttermost of 
their endeavor and resources, every attempt from without or 
within to impair the integrity of the one or to destroy the 
authority and power of the other. And it was becoming that, 
to the merchants of the city, the chief representatives of its 
wealth and influence, they should intrust the expression of their 
resolution and the guidance of their action. It was at the meet- 
ing held in the hall of the New York Chamber of Commerce, 
the ancient corporation which, from its patriotic reincorpora- 
tion in 1784, had watched with ceaseless care over the interests 
of the city, that the various committees joined together, and it 
was at the special meeting of the Chamber, held on the 19th 
April, that the merchants of the city recommended a blockade 
of the Southern ports, arranged for the taking of the nine 
millions remainder of the Government loan, and, by a sub- 
scription on the spot of twenty-one thousand dollars, enabled 
the marching regiments to complete their preparations for in- 
stant movement. The sequel shows that the greater part of 
the financial aid came from their purses, and that they never 
wavered in support of the Government until its authority was 
restored. 



MINUTES 



OF THE 



UNION DEFENCE COMMITTEE 



OP THE 



CITY OF NEW YOEK 



MINUTES 



UNION DEFENCE COMMITTEE OP THE CITY OF NEW YORK 

PuKSUANT to a request addressed by Mr. Moses Taylor to the 
members of the Committee appointed by the mass meeting of the 
citizens of New York and its vicinity, held at Union Square on 
Saturday, April 20th, 1861, a meeting of such Committee was held 
at the rooms of the Chamber of Commerce in the city of New York, 
on Monday, April 22d, at 10 o'clock a.m. 

Present: 

John A. Dix, Edwards Pierrepont, 

Moses H. Grinnell, Richard M. Blatchford, 

Eoyal Phelps, Alexander T. Stewart, 

JWilliam E. Dodge, Augustus C. Eichards, 

Greene C. Bronson, Hamilton Fish, 

^JV^illiam M. Evarts, Samuel Sloan, 

John J. Cisco, John Jacob Astor, 

^imeon Draper, William F. Havemeyer, 

James S. Wadsworth, Charles H. Russell, 

Jsaac Bell, Rudolph A, Witthaus, 

James Boorman, Charles H, Marshall, 

Abiel A. Low, Prosper M. Wetmore, 

Theodore Dchon; .Robert H. McCurdy, 
Moses Taylor. 

The resolutions of the mass meeting of citizens under which 
the Committee was appointed, were read as follows : 

Resolved, That a Committee of twenty-five, to be nominated by 
the president, be appointed by this meeting to represent the 
citizens in the collection of funds and the transaction of such other 
business in aid of the movements of the Government as the public 
interests may require. 

Resolved, That the Hon. John A. Dix, president of this meeting, 
be added to the Committee appointed under the foregoing resolution. 

Resolved, That this Committee have power to add to their 
number. 



58 

Upon calling the names of the Committee appointed by the 
meeting of citizens under these resolutions, it appeared that all 
were present except Mr. James T. Brady, who was absent from 
the city. 

On motion of Mr. Taylor, the Hon. John A. Dix was unani- 
mously appointed President of the Committee. 

Oil motion of Mr. Bell, Mr. Simeon Draper was unanimously 
appointed Vice-President of the Committee. 

On motion, Mr. William M. Evarts was unanimously appointed 
Secretary of the Committee. 

On motion, it was ordered that the President and Secretary be 
authorized to appoint such clerks as may be necessary in the trans- 
action of the business of the Committee. 

On motion, it was resolved that Mr. Theodore Dehon and Mr. 
Augustus C. Eichards be added to this Committee. 

On motion, it was resolved that the Committee appointed by 
the Chamber of Commerce, and now acting in the collection and 
disbursement of funds in aid of the movements of troops, etc., be 
requested to co-operate with this Committee in the performance of 
those duties. 

On motion, it was resolved that a Committee of five to report a 
permanent organization of this Committee for the transaction of the 
duties placed under its charge, be appointed by the Chair. 

The Chairman appointed Mr. Fish, Mr. Bell, Mr. Blatchford, 
Mr. Stewart and Mr. Evarts such Committee. 

Mr. Bronson asked to be excused from serving on this Com- 
mittee, on the ground that his official duties precluded him from 
giving the necessary time to the subject. 

On motion, Mr. Bronson was excused. 

The Chairman appointed Mr. Bell in his place. 

On motion, ordered that the Committee on Organization have 
authority to inquire and report a suitable place or places for the 
meetings of the Committee. 

Resolved, That Mr. Theodore Dehon be appointed Treasurer of 
the Committee. 

Resolved, That the Mayor, the Comptroller, the President of 
the Board of Aldermen and the President of the Board of Council- 
men be added to this Committee. 

On motion, the President, Vice-President, Mr. Grinnell and Mr, 
Bronson were requested to wait upon the Mayor, the Comptroller 
and the Presidents of the two Boards of the Common Council and 
inform them of their appointment. 



59 

The Secretary read to the Committee a letter which had been 
addressed to the President of the United States, in behalf of the 
Committee, on Sunday, the 21st instant and transmitted to Wash- 
ington by a special messenger as follows : 

" New York, April 21st, 1861. 

"To THE PkESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: 

" Sie: On behalf of the Committee of the Citizens charged with 
the due attention to public interests, and invested with this power 
by the mass meeting of Saturday, we take leave resi^ectfully to 
represent to the Government at Washington that intense solicitude 
prevails here for the safety of the city of Washington, and that 
there is an earnest demand that a safe and speedy communication 
should be kept open between the seat of government and the loyal 
States. Whatever force of men or supply of means is needed to 
occupy and control the necessary points in the State of Maryland 
can be furnished from or through New York. 

*' The energy, the enthusiasm, the power in every form of our 
people it is impossible to overrate. But their demands upon the 
action of all the public authorities are proportionate. The absolute 
obliteration of all party lines among our Avhole population, and their 
perfect union in enthusiastic patriotism, makes it, in our judgment, 
highly expedient that there should be present in this city persons 
who can, in case of emergency, represent the War, Navy and 
Treasury Departments in giving the authority of the Government 
to movements of troops and vessels, the stoppage of steamers, the 
provision of arms, and the many steps which may need to be taken 
without an opportunity of communicating with Washington. ' 

" We feel to-day that our Government and the City of Wash- 
ington are in a hostile country, with communication embarrassed 
and in danger of being wholly cut off. If disaster happens from 
this cause, the excitement of our people may lead them into strong 
expressions of discontent, and the present happy state of public 
sentiment in universal support of the administration may be suc- 
ceeded by a reaction of feeling greatly to be deplored. 

" Respectfully asking the attention of the Government to these 
suggestions, Ave are with great respect, 

*' Your obedient servants, 

" William M. Evaets. 
"H. M. Blatchfoed. 
'^M. H. Geinnell." 



60 

On motion, Resolved, That this letter be approved and adopted 
as the act of the Committee. 

The Secretary read a letter from Mr. Lnndburg on the sub- 
ject of sending to Europe for arms, and stated that Mr. Abram 
S. Hewitt had expressed a willingness to go to Europe for the 
object of procuring arms if the Committee should think it 
necessary. 

On motion. Resolved, That Mr. Hewitt be requested to hold 
himself in readiness to go to Europe by the Persia on the 
24th instant, if the Committee should think it important to send 
an agent to procure arms, and that the communication of Mr. 
Lnndburg on this subject be referred to the Committee on Or- 
ganization, with instructions to confer with Mr. Hewitt on the 
subject. 

Resolved, That all proceedings in this Committee be confiden- 
tial. 

Resolved, That the Committee adjourn to meet at the house 
of General Dix, No. 3 West 21st street, at 8 o'clock this evening. 



A MEETiKG of the Committee was held, pursuant to adjourn- 
ment, at 8 o'clock, P.M., on Monday, April 22d, 1861, at the house 
of Hon. John A. Dix, No. 3 West 21st street. 

Present : 

John A. Dix, Chairman, 
Simeon Draper, John J. Cisco, 

Hamilton Fish, Charles H. Russell, 

Abiel A. Low, Moses Taylor, 

Alexander T. Stewart, Robert H. McCurdy, 
Theodore Dehon, Rudolph A. Witthaus, 

Edwards Pierrepont, Greene C. Bronson, 

John Jacob Astor, Augustus C. Richards, 

Samuel Sloan, Prosper M. Wetmore, 

Isaac Bell, William M. Evarts, 

Richard M. Blatchford. 

In the temporary absence of the Secretary, Mr. Wetmore was 
requested to act as Secretary. 

The following communication from the Committee of the 
Chamber of Commerce was read and ordered to be entered on the 
minutes : 



61 

P. Perit, Pres. J. Smith Homans, Cor. Sec. 

'*Chambee of Commeece of the State of New York. 

" New York, April 22d, 1861. 
" Sir : It becomes my duty to transmit to you the accompanying 
resolution adopted this day by the Select Committee of this Cham- 
ber appointed at a meeting held on the 19tli instant. 

" Resolved, That after the disposition of the business now be- 
fore this Committee, it will declare itself merged for future action 
in the Committee of Twenty-six appointed by the i^ublic meeting 
of citizens on the 20tli inst., subject however, to the approval of 
the Chamber of Commerce at its next ensuing meeting, on the 25th 
instant. 

" Extract from the minutes. 

'*I am respectfully yours, 

" P. J\I. Wetmore, Sec'i/. 
"Hon. John A. Dix, President." 

Mr. Bronson, of the Committee appointed to wait upon the 
Mayor, the Comptroller, the President of the Board of Aldermen, 
and the President of the Board of Councilmen and inform them 
of their election as members of this Committee, made a verbal 
report that they had discharged this duty and that those officers of 
the City Government would cheerfully act with the Committee. 

Mr. Blatchford, from the Committee on Organization, made a 
verbal report recommending the creation of four standing commit- 
tees, to wit : 

An Executive Committee. 

A Committee on Correspondence and Publications. 
A Finance Committee. 

A Committee on Collections and Subscriptions. 
He also reported the following names to compose said commit- 
tees : 

Executive Committee. 

Simeon Draper, Prosper M. A\^etmore, 

James S. AVadsworth, John J. Astor, 

Moses H. Grinncll, Augustus C. Eichards, 

Isaac Bel], Eichard M. BUitchford, 

Samuel Sloan, AVilliam E. Dodge. 



62 

Committee on Finance. 

Charles H. Etissell, Abiel A. Low, 

Theodore Dehoii, James Boorman, 

Moses Taylor. 

' Committee on Collections and Subscriptions. 

Alexander T. Stewart, Charles H. Marshall, 

William F. Havemeyer, Robert H. McCurdy, 

Royal Plielps, Rudolph A. Witthaus. 

Committee on Corresjjondence and PuhUcations. 

Hamilton Fish, Edwards Pierrepont, 

William M. Evarts, James T. Brady, 

John J. Cisco. 

On motion, this report was accepted and adopted and the com- 
mittees so constituted. 

Resolved, That the president of this Committee be, ex officio, a 
member of each of these standing committees. 

Mr, Blatchford, in behalf of the Committee on Organization, 
made a verbal report, that the Astor House would furnish for the 
use of the Committee two rooms at $12 a day, and the Fifth Avenue 
Hotel one room at $0 a day, with an adjoining room after eight 
o'clock without further charge. 

On motion, the whole subject of accommodations for meetings 
was referred to the Executive Committee with power. 

The President stated that the Board of Aldermen had proffered 
the use of their room to the Committee. 

The President informed the Committee that the Common Coun- 
cil had this day appropriated a million dollars to the public service. 

On motion, Resolved,H\iVii the subject of organization be referred 
back to the Committee with instructions to report the duties as- 
signed to the several standing committees. 

The Secretary resumed his duties. 

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to proceed to Albany 
to confer with the Governor on the subject of the disbursements 
necessary for troops ; that this committee consist of three, and be 
appointed by the Chair. 

The Chairman appointed Messrs. Pierrepont, Astor and Bell 
such committee. 



63 

Two communications from the Atlantic Insurance Company 
were received and referred to tlie Executive Committee. 

On motion, Resolved, That wlien the Committee adjourns, it 
adjourn to meet at the rooms of the Chamber of Commerce at one 
o'clock P.M., to-morrow. 

The Committee adjourned. 



A MEETING of the Committee was held, pursuant to adjourn- 
ment, at the rooms of the Chamber of Commerce at one o'clock 
P.M., on Tuesday, April 23d, 1861. 

Present : 
Hon. John A. Dix, Cliairman, 
Messrs. Phelps, Messrs. Eichards, 

Marshall, Eussell, 

Dehon, Low, 

Sloan, Dodge, 

Draper, Bronson, 

Blatchford, Stewart, 

Taylor, Witthaus, 

AVetmore, McCurdy, 

Grinnell, liell, 

Pierrepont, Evarts, 
As tor. 

Mr. Blatchford, from the Committee on Organization, reported 
in writing the duties assigned to the several standing committees, 
as follows : 

The duties of the Committee of Collections and Subscriptions 
shall be to collect money and procure subscriptions in aid of the 
purposes of " The Union Defence Committee," and to organize 
such a system of collections and subscriptions in the community at 
large as shall promise to be most efficient and productive. 
y The duties of the Finance Committee shall be to supervise the 

disbursement of funds as they shall be required for the expendi- 
tures directed by the Executive Committee, and to make such pro- 
vision of funds iu anticipation or in aid of receipts by collections 
as exigencies may require. 
i^ It shall be their duty to audit the accounts of the treasurer and 

of all committees disbursing funds. 

The duties of the Executive Committee shall be to carry out, in 
every efficient and useful form that presents itself, the objects of 
"The Union Defence Committee "in aid of the Government in 



64 

the present crisis; to accelerate and facilitate the organization of 
forces, the transportation of troops and provisions, and the co-opera- 
ation of popular action in all loyal parts of the country. 

They shall distribute these duties among sub-committees of 
their own number, as may seem to them expedient. 

The duties of the Committee on Correspondence and Publica- 
tions shall be to conduct the necessary correspondence, by letter or 
telegraph or messengers, with the public authorities of the General 
and State Governments, and with other organizations of citizens 
throughout the country, and to direct such publications in the 
newspapers and otherwise as they shall deem expedient. 

On motion, Resolved, That the report be accepted and adopted. 

Various communications were received and referred to the ap- 
propriate standing committees. 

On motion of Mr. Eussell, Resolved, That in view of the im- 
portance of the existing emergency it is advisable to communicate 
to the public such information in regard to the objects and pur- 
poses of this Committee as will serve to allay unnecessary excite- 
ment in the public mind ; to stimulate the efforts of the judicious 
and patriotic ; and generally to promote by reasonable publications 
the interests of the trust confided to the Committee. 

On motion of Mr. Marshall, Resolved — 

[No record of this resolution on the minutes.] 

Mr. Dodge requested to be excused from acting upon the Executive 
Committee, and moved that Mr. Marshall be appointed in his place. 

On motion, Mr. Marshall Avas appointed on the Executive Com- 
mittee in place of Mr. Dodge, and Mr. Dodge was appointed on 
the Committee of Collections and Subscriptions in the place of Mr. 
Marshall. 

An authenticated copy of the ordinance of the Common Coun- 
cil was presented to the Committee and ordered to be entered on the 
minutes : 
\y Okdiistance of the Common Council. 

"An ordinance making an appropriation in aid of the defence 
of the National Union, and authorizing the borrowing of money for 
that purpose." 

The Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the City of New^ 
York, in Common Council convened, do ordain as follows : 

Sec. 1. The sum of one million dollars is hereby appropriated 
for the purpose of procuring the necessary equipment and outfit of 
the military force of the City of New York, now engaged, or which 



65 

may hereafter be engaged, in the service of the State of New York 
in pursuance of the requisition of the President of the United 
States, and to provide for the aid and support of the families of 
such of the officers and men so engaged as may require the same. 

Sec. 2. The money so appropriated shall be paid by the Comp- 
troller upon vouchers to be approved by a committee to be known 
as the " Union Defence Committee of the City of New York," con- 
sisting of the Mayor, Comptroller, President of the Board of Alder- 
men, President of the Board of Councilmen, and the following 
named citizens : 

Moses Taylor, Edwards Pierrepont, 

Moses H. Grinnell, Eichard M. Blatchford, 

Royal Phelps, Alexander T. Stewart, 

William E. Dodge, Hamilton Fish, 

Greene C. Bronson, Samuel Sloan, 

William M. Evarts, John Jacob Astor, 

John J. Cisco, William F. Havemeyer, 

James T. Brady, Charles H. Russell, 

Simeon Draper, Rudolph A. Witthaus, 

James S. Wadsworth, Charles H. Marshall, 

Isaac Bell, Prosper M. Wetmore, 

James Boorman, Robert H. McCurdy, 
Abiel A. Low, 

who were appointed at a public meeting held at Union Square, on 
Saturday the 20tli day of April instant, to collect funds and trans- 
act such other business in aid of the Grovernment as the public in- 
terests may require. 

The vouchers aforesaid shall be certified in writing by the 
chairman of the said committee. 

Sec. 3. The Comptroller is hereby authorized to borrow from 
time to time on the credit of the corporation such sum and sums 
as may be required to meet the payments authorized by the preced- 
ing section, and to issue bonds of the cori)oration therefor, which 
shall be designated and known as the " Union Defence Fund 
Bonds of the City of New York," and be at interest at a rate not 
exceeding seven per cent, per annum. 

Sec. 4. The said bonds shall be signed by the Comptroller, 
countersigned by the Mayor, and sealed with the common seal of 
the corporation, attested by the Clerk of the Common Council. 
And the principal thereof shall be redeemable within one year from 
date thereof. 
5 



66 

Sec. 5. For the payment of said bonds and the interest to ac- 
crue upon the same the faith of the Corporation of the City of New- 
York, and also all sums which may hereafter be received from the 
State of New York or the United States for the purpose of reim- 
bursing the expenses incurred in pursuance of this ordinance, are 
hereby solemnly pledged, and the Comptroller is hereby authorized 
and requested to redeem and cancel said bond at or before the 
maturity of the same. 

Adopted by the Board of Councilmen, April 22d, 1861. 

Adopted by the Board of Aldermen, April 22d, 1861. 

Approved by the Mayor, April 23d, 1861. 

D, T. Valentine, 

Clerh of the Common Council. 

On motion, Resolved, That this committee adopt the name and 
style of the "Union Defence Committee of the City of New York," 
by which it is designated in the ordinance of the Common Council. 

Resolved, That the President and Secretary of this committee 
be requested to acknowledge in a suitable manner, in behalf of the 
committee, the action of the City Government. 

The subject of privateers against our commerce being fitted out 
was mentioned and referred to the Executive Committee. 

Resolved, That when this committee adjourns it adjourn to 
meet on the call of the Executive Committee. 

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to wait upon the Vice- 
President of the United States and upon Major-General Wool, and 
confer with them on the subjects intrusted to this committee. 

Resolved, That the Executive Committee, the Committee of the 
Chamber of Commerce, and the President and Secretary be such 
committee to wait on Mr. Hamlin and General Wool. 

Resolved, That the committee now adjourn. 



The Committee met pursuant to a call of the Executive Com- 
mittee at the committee rooms. No. 30 Pine Street, on the twenty- 
seventh day of April, 1861. 

Present : 

Hon. John A. Dix, Chairman, 

Messrs. Draper, Messrs. Havemeyer, 
Dehon, Russell, 

Taylor, Witthaus, 

Blatchford, Wetmore, 



67 

Messrs. Stewart, Messrs. Richards, 
Sloan, Astor, 

Cisco, Bell, 

Boorman, Marshall, 

McCurdy, Grinnell, 

Phelps, Bronson, 

Low, His Hon. the Mayor, 

Maj.-Gen. Wool, U.S.A., Maj.-Gen. Sandford, 
E. S. Haws, Comptroller. 

The Secretary being absent at Washington on business of the 
committee, Mr. Wetmore was appointed Secretary pro tern. 

Mr. Russell, from the Finance Committee, reported that there 
had been collected by the committee about $127,000, of which 
about $115,000 had been paid; also that some money outside of the 
committee had been paid. That under the ordinance of the Com- 
mon Council steps had been taken to raise the amount appropri- 
ated by the Common Council, and that about half of the amount 
had been taken by the banks of the city ; that no funds had been 
received from the State or United States Government ; that the 
committee had been devising some means to provide for strict ac- 
curacy and economy in the expenditure of the committee. 

Mr. Boorman offered the following resolutions, which were 
adopted. 

Resolved, That the duties of the Finance Committee of this as- 
sociation, as prescribed in their proceedings on the 23d instant, 
be hereby altered to read as follows : 

"The duties of the Finance Committee shall be to take charge, 
through the Treasurer of the association, of all the funds contributed 
or appropriated for the use of this association, to select a safe bank 
depository or depositories for the same, and to keep separate ac- 
counts of such funds, viz. : 

1. All derived from voluntary contributions, including those 
made under the action of the Chamber of Commerce of the State 
of New York. 

2. Of such as may be appropriated by the State of New York. 

3. Of such as may be supplied by the United States. 
Resolved, That all funds thus received shall be held subject to the 

order of the Executive Committee of this association, payable only 
on the warrants or requisitions of said committee signed in their 
behalf (in duplicate warrants) by a member of the " Sub-committee 
on Funds " of the Executive Committee, and countersigned by the 



68 

chairman of the General Committee, which warrants shall, in ad- 
dition to the amount to be paid, and to whom, state — 

1. The purpose for which the money is to be paid. 

2. The vouchers to be required (if any), other than the receipt 
of tlie receiver. 

3. The fund or account (according to the preceding arrangement) 
to which the payment is to be charged. 

Resolved, That the chairman of the Finance Committee shall ex 
officio be a member of the Executive Committee, and the Comp- 
troller of the city a member of the Finance Committee. 
\/ Resolved, That all payments or warrants drawn on the funds of 

the corporation of the city shall be under such regulations as may 
be established by the Comptroller and the Mayor. 

Mr. Marshall stated that the committee had dispatched the ship 
Kedar Avitliout waiting for troops. 

General Sandford stated that he proposed to send 2,000 troops by 
the Baltic and Columbia by Monday. 

The chairman read the following communications from the Ex- 
ecutive Committee : 

1. Every application before the committee of the Chamber of 
Commerce that was in proper form to be considered was acted 
on and appropriation made thereon, except such as were referred to 
the Union Defence Committee. 

2. All cases thus referred, and all new cases of applications in 
proper form, and especially all cases of organized corps and regiments 
ordered into service, have been disposed of. 

3. Other cases have been laid over and information always given 
to the parties to enable them to present tlieir claims in proper 
form. 

4. A very few have been declined on the ground that they did 
not come Avithin the line of duties of the committee. 

The Mayor stated that in countersigning warrants, he should 
look only to three things — equipments, outfits and relief of families 
of soldiers — and to see that the vouchers for the amount to each 
item was in the hands of the committee. 

The Comptroller coincided in opinion with the Mayor. 

Mr. Dehon moved that the Treasurer be authorized to draw upon 
the Comptroller of the city of New York (accompanying his drafts 
with the original bills approved by the chairman of this General 
Committee), for expenditures referred to in city ordinance, and upon 
that basis hereafter from time to time. 

On motion, this proposition was laid on the table. 



69 

A communication was received from Mr. Copway in regard to 
the employment of Indians in the military service, and on motion 
was laid on the table. 

Ordered that the minutes of the Executive Committee be at all 
times open to the examination of this committee. 

The committee adjourned. 



At a meeting held this day, April 30th, 1861, the following 
resolutions, submitted by Mr. Blatch ford, were unanimously adopted : 

1. Besolved, That this committee regard it as an incumbent duty 
to express their high appreciation of the wisdom, energy and pa- 
triotism of Major-General John E. AVool, commanding this military 
district, evinced in moments of critical emergency in the affairs of 
the country. 

2. Resolved, As the deliberate judgment of this committee, that the 
activity and sagacity of General Wool have been eminently conspicu- 
ous in the arrangements made by him for expediting the transportation 
of troops and supplies to the scene of action; and especially so in as- 
suming the responsibility of dispatching the fine regiment of New 
York Firemen-Zouaves commanded by Colonel Ellsworth, thus 
avoiding the delays which might otherwise have detained them for 
days. 

3. Resolved, That this committee desire to express in these reso- 
lutions their grateful sense of the distinguished services rendered 
by General Wool since entering upon his duties in this city ; and 
their acknowledgment to the War Department for affording this 
community the great advantage of his military skill and long ex- 
perience in the service of his country. 

4. Resolved, Tluit while the organization of the Western De- 
partment of the United States, comprising within its limits the 
National Capital, under the able, judicious and patriotic manage- 
ment of Lieutenant-General Scott, commanding general of the 
army, insures public confidence and the protection of the national 
honor, the committee deem it fortunate for the country that the 
President has exercised the sagacious discretion of placing tlie East- 
ern Department under the control of an officer worthy of all the 
confidence reposed in him. 

5. Resolved, That tiiis committee desire most emphatically to 
express their gratitude to Major-General Wool for the promptness 
and readiness with which lie has yielded to their wishes and requests 
and assumed great and heavy responsibilities, which the exigency of 
the case and the difficulties of communicating with the Government 



70 

rendered necessary. And they most earnestly request the War De- 
partment and the President of the United States to ratify and 
approve the conduct and the action of Major-General Wool in these 
particulars, and also that he may be continued in command in this 
city and of this department. 

6. Resolved, That copies of the preceding resolutions, properly 
authenticated, be transmitted to the President of the United States, 
Lieutenant-General Scott, and Major-Generul Wool. 

Signed, John A. Dix, Chairman. 

S. Draper, Vice- Chairman. 

William M. Evarts, Secretary. 

Theodore Dehoist, Treasurer. 



A meeting of the committee was lield, pursuant to the call of the 
Executive Committee, at the room of the committee, No. 30 Pine 
Street, on Saturday, May 4th, 1861, at two o'clock p.m. 

Present : 

Hon. John A. Dix, Chairman, 
Messrs. Simeon Draper, Messrs. William M. Evarts. 

Moses Taylor, Moses H. Grinnell, 

Richard M. Blatchford, Royal Phelps, 

Alexander T. Stewart, Greene C. Bronson, 

Samuel Sloan, William F. Havemeyer, 

John Jacob Astor, Charles H. Russell, 

Charles H. Marshall, Abiel A. Low, 

Robert H. McCurdy, Prosper M. Wetmore, 

A. C. Richards, 
Tlie Comptroller of the City of New York, 
The President of the Board of Councilmen. 

Tlie Chairman called for reports from standing committees. 

Mr. Draper, Chairman of the Executive Committee, states that 
the minutes of that committee are present and its proceedings will 
be understood by reading these minutes. 

Mr. Phelps moved that the reading of the minutes of the Execu- 
tive Committee be dispensed with, and the motion, being seconded 
by Mr. Taylor, was carried. 

Mr. Draper then, by general request, made a verbal report of the 
principal transactions of tlie Executive Committee since the last 
meeting of the General Committee. 



71 

Mr. Barney, Collector of the Port, was announced at the door, 
and on motion, the committee requested him to take a seat at their 
meeting, 

Mr. Barney accepted the invitation of the committee, and stated 
that he came from Colonel Pratt, of the Ulster County regiment ; 
that this regiment had been ordered back by the Governor to 
Ulster County; that the men were mucli dissatisfied at being sent 
back, and desired that some measures miglit be taken, if possible, to 
have this order rescinded. 

The Chairman made a statement concerning the action of the 
Governor relative to this regiment, and concerning the reasons for 
the same. 

Mr. Phelps moved that this subject be referred to the Executive 
Committee. This motion not being seconded, 

Mr. Astor moved that Colonel Pratt be admitted to the meeting 
of the committee, that he might give further information as to the 
situation of the regiment. 

The motion was carried. Colonel Pratt was introduced, and 
made a statement respecting his regiment. 

Mr. Draper moved that a dispatch be sent by telegraph to the 
Governor urging that the Ulster County regiment should not be 
sent back if it could be avoided. 

The motion was carried, and a dispatch, drawn by Mr. Blatch- 
ford, was approved by the committee, and directed to be sent to the 
Governor. 

Mr. Kussell, Chairman of the Finance Committee, made a verbal 
report as to the condition of the funds at the disposal of the com- 
mittee. 

Mr. Stewart, Chairman of the Committee of Collections and Sub- 
scriptions, made a verbal report that the committee were proceeding 
in the discharge of their duties. 

Mr. Evarts, in the absence of Mr. Fish, the chairman, reported 
the proceedings of the Committee of Correspondence and Publication. 

Mr. Phelps moved that this committee meet hereafter on 
Wednesday of each week at two o'clock, p.m., at the committee 
room. No. 30 Pine Street. 

Mr. Draper mentioned the subject of the deficiency of funds to 
pay the obligations of the State Commissariat for the support of 
troops now in the city, and stated that the committee might be re- 
quired to give some aid in the matter. 

On motion, the committee adjourned, to meet on Wednesday next 
at two o'clock P.M. at this place. 



72 

A MEETING of tlie committee was held, pursuant to adjournment, 
at the rooms of the committee, No. 30 Pine Street, on Wednesday, 
May 8th, 1861, at two o'clock p.m. 

Present : 

Hon. Jolm A. Dix, Chairman, 
Messrs. R. M. Blatchford, Messrs. Moses H. Grinnell, 

Edwards Pierrepont, Royal Phelps, 

A. T. Stewart, William E. Dodge, 

Samuel Sloan, G. C. Bronsou, 

J. J. Astor, Jr., Hamilton Fish, 

Isaac Bell, R. A. Witthaus, 

R. H. McCurdy, A. A. Low, 

P. M. Wetmore, A. C. Richards, 

Mayor of the City of New York. 

The President read the following letter from the Secretary : 

" 2 Hanover St., 

"May, 8, '61. 
" Deae Sir : I am engaged in a jury trial, and may not be able 
to get out of court in season for the committee's meeting. 

"I send the minutes engrossed in the book, except of the last 
meeting, and a fair copy of the minutes of that. 

" Yours truly, 

" William M. Evarts." 
" P. M. Wetmore, Esq. 

On motion of Mr. Sloan, Mr. P. M. Wetmore was appointed 
Secretary pro tern, in place of Mr. Evarts. 

The Chairman ordered the minutes of the previous lueetings to 
be read by the Secretary. 

On motion of Judge Bronson, Resolved: That the resolution 
passed by the last meeting, with reference to the meetings of this 
committee, be amended to read, "that this committee meet here- 
after on Wednesday of each week, at two o'clock p.m., at the 
committee room. No. 30 Pine Street, or at the call of the Executive 
Committee." 

Tlie committee was informed of the presence, in the outer room, of 
Colonel Duryee, who was, on motion of Mr. Richards, invited to enter. 

Mr. Richards, in behalf of Colonel Duryee, represented to the 
committee the state of the 14th Regiment, and requested to hear from 
this committee an expression as to the course he ought to pursue 
to induce the authorities to accept his regiment for service. 



73 

Mr. Phelps expressed his opinion that this matter properly be- 
longed to the Executive Committee, to Avhom he begged it might be 
referred. Referred accordingly. 

After the statement in behalf of Colonel Dnryee, the current 
business of the meeting was proceeded Avith. 

The Chairman called for reports from standing committees. 

Tht- Secretary read the minutes of all the meetings of the Execu- 
tive Committee held since the last meeting of this committee. 

Mr. Dodge was requested to repeat to this committee a report 
already submitted by him to the Executive Committee, which he 
did, giving full information of his interviews with the authorities 
in Washington ; also of private communications received by him 
then and since, Avith reference to the state of feeling in Western Vir- 
ginia. Mr. Dodge complained of the publicity given to his journey, 
and expressed a desire that the manner in which it had been made 
public might be known. 

General Dix in a similar manner referred to the publication of 
confidential dispatches addressed by him to Governor Morgan. 

The following resolution was offered by Mr. Richards : 

Resolved: That Mr. Low be appointed acting Treasurer during 
the indisposition of Mr. Dehon,the Treasurer. 

Mr. Sloan proposed that the resolution be amended as follows : 

Resolved : That this committee approve of the action of the Ex- 
ecutive Committee in appointing Mr. Low acting Treasurer during 
the indisposition of Mr. Dehon, and that Mr. Low be requested to 
continue to act in that capacity. 

Mr. Richards accepted the amendment, and the resolution Avas 
put, as amended, and unanimously carried. 

General Dix tendered his resignation as chairman of this commit- 
tee, stating that other occupations Avould prevent his giving the 
requisite time to the fulfillment of the duties connected with that 
position. 

On motion of Mr. Blatchford, Resolved : That the resignation of 
General Dix be accepted, and that the Secretary appoint a commit- 
tee of two to prepare and report to the next meeting of this com- 
mittee, expressing the high estimate in which Ave hold the patriotic 
and efficient services of General Dix. 

The Secretary named Mr. Blatchford and Judge Pierrepont. 

On motion of Mr. Phelps, Governor Fish was unanimously ap- 
pointed permanent chairman of this committee. 

On motion of Mr. Grinnell, Resolved: That General Dix con- 
tinue a member of the Executive Committee, irrespective of his 



74 

resignation as chairman, and be requested to attend the meetings of 
the Executive Committee as often as his time will permit. 

On motion of Mr. Plielps, the committee adjourned to Wednesday 
next, at two o'clock p.m., at 30 Pine Street. 



A MEETING of the committee was held, pursuant to adjournment 
at the rooms of the committee, No. 30 Pine Street, on Wednesday, 
May 15, 1861, at two o'clock p.m. 

Present : 
Hon. Hamilton Fish, Chairman, 
Messrs. Marshall, 
Dehon, 
Grinnell, 
Wetmore, 
Phelps, 
Stewart, 
Evarts, 
His Honor the Mayor. 
It appearing there was no quorum present, a large delegation from 
the committee being absent at Washington, the committee adjourned 
with the understanding that a meeting would be called for Friday, 
the 17th inst., at two o'clock p.m. 



A MEETING of the committee was held, pursuant to the call of the 
Chairman, on Friday, the 17th day of May, 1861, at the rooms of 
the committee, No. 30 Pine Street. 

Present : 
Hon. Hamilton Fish, Chairman, 
Messrs. Draper, Messrs. Marshall, 

Evarts, McCurdy, 

Dehon, Grinnell, 

Low, Phelps, 

Blatchford, Dodge, 

Stewart, Russell, 

Sloan, Witthaus, 

Astor, Wetmore, 

Cisco, Richards, 

Bell, 

His Honor, the Mayor, 
The President of the Board of Councilmen. 



75 

The minutes of the meetings of May 8th and May lotli instant 
were read. 

On motion of Mr. Phelps, the minutes of the meeting of May 
8th were amended by expressing the statement in respect to Colo- 
nel Duryee's regiment as having been made in behalf of Colonel 
Duryee, and not by him, he not having been personally admitted 
to the meeting of the committee. 

Reports from standing committees were called for. 

Mr. Russell, Chairman of the Finance Committee, stated that 
that committee had no report to present. 

Mr. Evarts, from the Committee on Correspondence, presented 
a letter which had been received by that committee. The letter 
was read and referred to the Executive Committee. 

Mr. Stewart, Chairman of the Committee of Collections and 
Subscriptions, reported that that committee had adopted measures 
for receiving contributions which they thought would be useful. 

The special committee which had been appointed to proceed to 
Washington and had returned, presented, by Mr. Sloan, chairman, a 
written report. The report was ordered to be entered on the 
minutes, and is as follows. [See Reports.] 

On motion of Mr. Blatchford, Resolved, That this report be re- 
ferred to the Executive Committee, with power. 

An extract from the minutes of the Executive Committee, con- 
taining the appointment of this special committee, was read. 

On motion of His Honor the Mayor, Resolved, That the action 
of the Executive Committee in the appointment of the special com- 
mittee, whose report has been presented and entered on the minutes, 
be approved by this committee, and that the thanks of this commit- 
tee be tendered to the Special Committee for the able and efficient 
manner in which they have discharged the duties assigned to 
them. 

Mr. Blatchford, from the Special Committee, made a verbal 
statement of the attention which the objects of the committee's visit 
received from the President and his Cabinet, and of the courtesies 
shown to the members of the committee while in Washington and 
in facilitating their return. 

On motion of Mr. Russell, Resolved, That a committee of five 
be appointed by the Chair to consider the necessity of an early com- 
pletion of the fortifications and defences of the harbor of New 
York, with power to make such representations upon the subject to 
the Federal authorities as shall be deemed proper, and to urge im- 
mediate attention in the premises. 



76 

The Chair appointed as this committee : 
Messrs. Eussell, Sloan, Grinnell, Low, Phelps. 

On motion of Mr. Eussell, Resolved, That the Chairman be added 
to this committee. 

His Honor, the Mayor, introduced the subject of the selec- 
tion of the fourteen regiments for the acceptance of the Federal 
Government, and the expenses connected with equipping and 
dispatching the same, and with the support of the families of the 
soldiers. 

On motion of Mr. Grinnell, Resolved, That a special committee 
of five be appointed by the Chair to consider the subject introduced 
by the Mayor, and to prepare and submit to this committee a report 
to the Mayor and the Common Council of the expenditures already 
made by this committee under the appropriation of the Common 
Council, and of the purposes of the same, with an estimate of the 
future requirements of the committee. 

On motion of Mr. Richards, Resolved, That this Special Com- 
mittee be instructed to submit such report at a meeting of this 
committee to be held on Monday next, at two o'clock p.m., and that 
when this committee adjourns, it adjourn to meet at that time, and 
that the Secretary insert in the notice of the meeting a statement of 
the object of the same. 

Mr. Grinnell having expressed a desire not to be named on this 
committee, the Chair appointed: 

Messrs. Evarts, Richards, Astor, Pierrepont, Bell. 

On motion of Mr. Blatchford, Resolved, Tiiat Captain Cooper, 
gailing-master of the Quaker Citij, be admitted to the meeting of 
the committee. 

Captain Cooper was thereupon introduced to the committee and 
made a verbal statement concerning prizes thus far taken by the 
Quaker City during her cruise. 

On motion, the committee adjourned. 



A MEETING of the committee was held, pursuant to adjourn- 
ment, on Monday, May 20, 1861, at the rooms of the committee, 
No. 30 Pine Street, at two o'clock p.m. 

Present : 
Hon. Hamilton Fish, Chairman, 
Messrs, Draper, Messrs. McCurdy, 

Evarts, Grinnell, 



• li 

Messrs. Low, Messrs. Dodge, 

Blatclifortl, Havemeyer, 

Pierrepont, Eussell, 

Stewart, Witthaus, 

Sloan, Boorman, 

Astor, Wetmore, 

Marshall, Eichards, 
His Honor the Mayor. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

Mr. Draper, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented a 
written report from that committee, which was read by Mr. Wet- 
more, its Secretary. 

On motion, the report from the Executive Committee was ac- 
cepted and ordered to be entered on the minutes. [See Ke- 
ports.] 

Mr. Eussell, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented a 
report in writing from that committee. 

On motion, ordered that the report be accepted and entered on 
the minutes. 

New York, 20th 3Iay, 1861. 
EePOKT of the FllSTAKCE COMMITTEE. 

Amount of collections and contributions from 26th 

Aprillast to this date $169,854 17 

Amount disbursed by the Treasurer on requisitions. . . 86,202 21 

Balance in Bank of Commerce, in N. Y., to the credit 

of this commission 183,451 96* 

Amount of drafts on the City Comptroller 

for aid to regiments 1298,097 61 

Also of drafts by committee 28, 799 10 

Do 20,699 00 

Do 51,500 00 

1399,095 71 
C. H. Eussell, Chainnan. 
A. A. Low, Treasurer ad interim. 

Mr. Pierrepont, from the Select Committee appointed to pre- 

* This error appears in the original. 



78 

pare a minute of the committee's sense of the services of General 
Dis, made a report in writing. 

On motion, ordered that the report be accepted and entered on 
the minutes. 

The report is as follows : 

Report of the Select Committee on" the Services of 
Gexeral Dix. 

The committee appointed by tlie ''Union Defence Committee" 
on the 8 til of May instant, "to jDrepare a minute expressing the 
high estimate in which they hold the patriotic and eflBcient services 
of Gejieral Dix," ask leave to report the following resolutions : 

Resolved, That this committee tender their warmest thanks to 
the Honorable John A. Dix for the prompt, efficient, courteous and 
patriotic discharge of his arduous duties as chairman of this com- 
mittee ; that, while we deeply regret his resignation, and the conse- 
quent loss of his counsels, we nevertheless rejoice ourselves, and con- 
grafulate the Government, that the services of Major-General Dix 
have been secured to the army for the defence of the integrity, the 
glory, and the liberties of our country. 

Besolved, That in General Dix we recognize a patriot worthy 
of his patriotic sires; that w'e desire to express our confidence in the 
eminent ability and fitness of General Dix to fill the high and re- 
sponsible command to which he has been called, and that there will 
go with him to the field of conflict, the pride, the hopes and the 
sympathies and the prayers of every member of this committee. 

Besolved, That a copy of these resolutions, signed by the Chair- 
man and Secretary of this committee, be presented to General Dix. 



Mr. Evarts, Chairman of the Select Committee appointed to pre- 
pare a report from the Union Defence Committee to the Hon. the 
Mayor and Common Council, made a Avritten report, which was 
read. A discussion ensued on the subject of the report. 

On motion, ordered that the report be recommitted to the Spe- 
cial Committee, with instructions to add a specific recommendation 
to the Common Council as to the future course to be pursued in re- 
spect to aid to families. 

Mr. Evarts reported back the original report with an addition 
in conformity to the instructions. 

On motion, Resolved, Tiiatthe report be accejated and entered on 
the minutes, and that the report from the Union Defence Commit- 



79 

tee to the Mayor and Common Council be transmitted nnder the 
signatures of the President and Secretary. [See Kej^orts.] 

The Chairman read a communication from the Secretary of 
War. 

On motion, ordered that it be referred to the Executive Com- 
mittee. 

The committee adjourned to Wednesday, 22d instant, at two 
o'clock P.M. 



A MEETING of the committee was held on Wednesday, May 22d, 
1861, at the rooms of the committee. No. 30 Pine Street, at two 
o'clock P.M. 

Present : 
Hon. Hamilton Fish, Chairman, 
Messrs. Draper, Messrs. McCurdy, 

Evarts, Grinnell, 

Low, Phelps, 

Taylor, Dodge, 

Blatchford, Bronson, 

Stewart, Kussell, 

Sloan, Wetmore, 

Astor, Eichards, 

His Honor the Mayor. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

A communication from the Governor to the Chairman of the 
Executive Committee was presented from that committee by its 
Secretary, and was read to the committee. 

Mr. Sloan stated to the committee that General Dix had con- 
ferred with the Governor on the subject of this communication, and 
that all explanation desired had already been given. 

On motion, ordered that the communication from the Governor 
be placed on file. 

On motion of Mr. Phelps, the minutes of the Executive Commit- 
tee since the last meeting of this committee were read. 

Mr. Dodge stated to the committee that he had learned by the 
Persia, from Liverpool, that the American merchants had sent two 
cannon by that ship which, with two that were to follow by another 
vessel, were a present to the Government. He also stated that 
those merchants had made a conditional engagement for the whole 
product of an establishment for their manufacture for six months, 
should our Government need them. 



80 
On motion, adjourned to Wednesday, 29th instant, at two o'clock 

P.M. 

A MEETING of the committee was held on the 29th day of May, 
1861, at the rooms of the committee, No. 30 Pine Street, at two 
o'clock P.M. 

Present : 
Hon. Hamilton Fish, Chairynan, 
Messrs. Abiel Low, Messrs. William M. Evarts, 

(Treasurer ad interim), Moses H. Grinuell, 

Messrs. Moses Taylor, William E. Dodge, 

Edwards Pierrepont, Greene C. Bronson, 

Alexander T. Stewart, Charles H. Eussell, 

Samuel Sloan, Eudolph A. Witthaus, 

John Jacob Astor, Prosper M. Wetmore, 

Charles H. Marshall, A. C. Eicliards, 

Robert H. McCurdy, 
The Mayor of the City of New York. 

The minutes of the lust meeting were read and approved. 

The minutes of the Executive Committee since the last meeting 
of this committee were read. 

On motion of Mr. Low, ordered, that the proceedings of the Ex- 
ecutive Committee as read be approved. 

On motion of Mr. Sloan, Resolved, That no letters, applications, 
or other documents unconnected with the business of the commit- 
tee shall be written or indorsed by the officers of this or either of 
the sub-committees as such, for any purpose whatever, except by 
authority or vote of the General Committee, or of some one of the 
standing committees, duly recorded upon the minutes. 

On motion of Mr. Low, the following preamble and resolutions 
were ado2)ted : 

" Union Defence Committee of the City op New York. 
"New York, May 2^th, 1861. 

'* Whereas, The existing crisis has brought forth two classes of 
men hitherto more or less known as officers in the ^rmy and Navy 
of the United States, who have alike sworn to support the Consti- 
tution and defend the honor of the United States of America, and, 
in the hour of trial, one class has proved faithful — upholding and 
defending the Stars and Stripes — and the other class has added to 
infidelity the crime of treason ; 

"And Whereas, Lieutenant Slemmer, of the United States 



81 

Army, by his timely removal to Fort Pickens with a handful of men, 
and his successful defence of that fort against a numerous band of 
rebels, has displayed a degree of loyalty and courage which entitles 
him to the gratitude of a just and generous community ; therefore, 

"Resolved, That the committee do take great pleasure in express- 
ing their high appreciation of the services of Lieutenant Slemmer, 
whose fidelity, fortitude and unceasing watchfulness have preserved 
to the use of the United States one of its distant possessions, around 
which the armies of the rebels have gathered in vain. 

"Resolved, That the committee regard the defenders of Fort 
Sumter and Fort Pickens as belonging to the same order of men, 
as alike heroic and alike devoted in the hour of trial, and therefore 
do respectfully recommend Lieutenant Slemmer to the Govern- 
ment of the United States as worthy of honorable recognition. 

''Resolved, That copies of the foregoing preamble and resolutions 
be transmitted to the President of the United States and to Lieu- 
tenant Slemmer." 

On motion, ordered that the preamble and resolutions be pub- 
lished. 

The Chairman presented to the meeting Mr. Dehon's letter of 
resignation as Treasure!-. 

On motion, ordered that the letter be entered on the minutes. 

The letter is as follows : 

" New Yoke, 2Uh May, 186L 

*' Hox. Hamilton- Fish, Cliairman of the Union Defence Commit- 
tee of the City of New Yorh : 

"Sir : I now resign into your hands my position as Ti-easurer, 
and at the same time tliank the committee, collectively and indi- 
vidually, for the confidence shown by the appointment as financial 
officer to this high trust placed upon us by an emergency yet to be 
measured by all to rightly estimate its importance. 

*^For the courtesy extended to me by the several members of 
the committee, and by all its officers, I offer my grateful acknowl- 
edgment. 

" I remain your obedient servant, 

"Theodore Dehon." 

The Chairman presented a letter of resignation as member of this 

committee from Mr. Koyal Phelps. 

On motion. Resolved, That the resignation of Mr. Phelps be 

accepted, and his letter be entered on the minutes. 
G 



82 

The letter is as follows : 

" New York, May 22, 1861. " 

" To THE ChAIKMAN OF THE UnION DeFENCE CcMMITTEE OF 

THE City of New Yokk : 
" Sir : I beg to tender my resignation as a member of this 

committee. 

" I am sir, 

*' Your obedient servant, 

''KoTAL Phelps." 

On motion of Mr. Dodge, Eesolved, That the Executive Commit- 
tee be requested to require written reports from its sub-committees 
to be submitted to the General Committee at its weekly meeting. 

On motion of Mr. Sloan, ordered, that the room of the commit- 
tee at the Fifth Avenue Hotel be given up, and the evening meet- 
ings of the Executive Committee be discontinued. 

The chairman retired from the meeting, having first requested 
Mr. McCurdy to take the chair. 

The chair presented to the committee a letter -from Mr. Fish 
resigning his place as a member of this committee, which, upon 
motion, was laid upon the table. 

On motion, the committee adjourned. 



A meeting of the committee was held on the 17th day of June, 
1861, at the rooms of the committee, No. 30 Pine Street, at two 
o'clock P.M. 

Present : 
Simeon Draper, Vice- Chairman, 
Messrs. A . A. Low, Messrs. R. A. Witthaus, 

Moses I'aylor, Isaac Bell, 

R. M. Blatchford, Charles H. Marshall, 

Edwards Pierrepont, Robert H. McCurdy, 

A. T. Stewart, The Mayor of the City 

J. J. Astor, of New York, 

M. H. Grinnell, The President of the 

William E. Dodge, Board of Councilmen, 

Charles H. Russell, Prosper M. Wetmore, 

Acting Secretary. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

Mr. Bell, on behalf of Mr. Jones, presented and read a commu- 
nication from D. E. Sickles, addressed by him to the Common Coun- 
cil, and submitted by them to this committee. 



83 

Councilman Jones moved that the same aid be extended in 
respect to Sickles' Excelsior Brigade as to the families of other 
regiments aided by this committee, after discussion thereon. 

Mr. Jones, having withdrawn his resolution, thereupon, Resolved, 
that the Committee on Relief to Families be instructed to give no- 
tice that no payment to families of soldiers should be made except 
to such as have been actually mustered into service, and that, except 
in extreme cases, payment will not be made on tickets in other 
hands than ibose of the parties interested. 

A communication in writing from Comptroller Haws, suggesting 
the propriety of appointing a committee to negotiate the bonds of 
the City of New York remaining in his hands, was presented. 

On motion, it was referred to the Finance Committee (Mr. 
Russell). 

The following letter from Lieutenant Slemmer was read and 
ordered to be entered on the minutes. 

" ASTOR HousB, June 13<^, 1861. 
" Mr, Wm. M. Evarts : 

*' Dear Sir : Your letter of May 30th, inclosing the Reso- 
lution of the Union Defence Committee of the City of New York, is 
received. 

*' Permit me to express to them, through you, my most heartfelt 
thanks for such expressions of their esteem and approval, 
" I am sir, very respectfully, 

" Your ob'd't serv't, 

" A. J. Slemmer, 

'* 1st Lieut., 1st Art'y." 

On motion of Mr. Pierrepont, Resolved, That in the absence 
of the Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Aid to Regiments, 
two of the other members of same committee shall be authorized to 
act. 

On motion of Mr. Astor, Resolved, That the resignation of Hon. 
Hamilton Fish be not accepted, and that Mr. Fish be requested to 
resume his seat. 

The resignation of Judge Bronson as a member of this commit- 
tee was presented. 

On motion, Resolved, That the resignation of Judge Bronson be 
not accepted, and that he be requested to continue as a member of 
this committee. 



84 

-^ On motion of Mr, Russell, a bill for the 79th Regiment was re- 

ferred to the Committee on Aid to Regiments. 

^ The bill of Charles Brown for the 6th Regiment Union Volun- 

teers was referred to Committee on Aid to Regiments. 

On motion, the committee adjourned to Wednesday, 26th in- 
stant, at 2 P.M. 



A MEETING of the committee, specially called, was held on the 
2d day of July, 1861, at the rooms of the committee, No. 30 Pine 
street, at 2 o'clock p.m. 

Present: 

Hon. Hamilton Fish, Chairman, 

Messrs. Simeon Draper, Messrs. Isaac Bell, 

A. A. Low, Charles H. Marshall, 

R. M. Blatchford, M. H. Grinnell, 

A. T. Stewart, R. A. Witthaus, 

S. Sloan, A. C. Richards, 

J. J. Astor, P. M. Wetmore, 

His Honor the Mayor, Wm. M. Evarts, Secretary. 

On motion, the reading of the minutes of the last meeting, and 
of the minutes of the Executive Committee, was dispensed with, 
i/ An application for aid to the McReynolds Regiment, and a let- 

ter from Hon. Wm. H. Seward respecting the same, were referred 
to the Executive Committee. 

Mr. Low, in behalf of a committee appointed at an informal 
meeting of the General Committee yesterday, presented a series of 
resolutions which were read. 

Mr. Blatchford moved the following resolutions, which were 
seconded, and 

On motion of Mr. Sloan, all the resolutions above referred to 
were laid on the table. 

On motion of Mr. Evarts, Resolved, That hereafter thirteen shall 
constitute a quorum of this committee for the transaction of business. 

On motion, adjourned to Wednesday, July 10th instant, at 2 
o'clock P.M. 

July 10, 1861, no quorum. 



A MEETING called at the request of the Executive Committee 
was held on the 22d day of August, 1861, at the rooms of the com- 
mittee, No. 30 Pine Street, at 2 o'clock p.m. 



A. 


. A. Low, 


M. 


H. GrinnelL 


A. 


T. Stewart, 


J. 


J. As tor, 


C. 


H. Russell, 



85 

Present : 
Simeon Draper, Vice- Chairman, 
Messrs. A. A. Low, , Messrs. R. A. Wittliaus, 

I. Bell, 

C. H. Marshall, 
A. C. Richards, 
His Honor the Mayor, 
P. M. Wetmore, Secretary pro tern. 

The reading of the minutes was dispensed with. 

The members present deemed it advisable to proceed to business 
without a quorum. 

The report of the Executive Committee, dated August 20th, was 
read. [See Reports.] 

The Executive Committee submitted an abstract and detailed 
statements of all expenditures from the City Fund up to July 31st ult. 

Ordered, that the report of the Executive Committee with the 
statements of expenditures, be adopted. 

Ordered, that the above report and abstract, together with the 
report of Executive Committee dated 29th June, be transmitted to 
the Common Council and published ; and that the detailed state- 
ments be open to examination at this office by all parties interested, 
therein. [See Reports.] 

Ordered, that the Secretary pro tem. publish the names of mem- 
bers present at this meeting, and that the Executive Committee pay 
the rent of the rooms occupied by the committee. 

Adjourned. 



A SPECIAL meeting was held on the call of the Chairman of the 
Executive Committee, on the 4th day of November, 1861, at the 
room of the committee, No. 30 Pine Street, at 12 o'clock m. 

Present: 
Hon. R. T. Haws, Chairman pro tem., 
Messrs. A. A. Low, Messrs. C. H. Marshall, 

R. H. McCurdy, A. T. Stewart, 

Edwards Pierrepont, R. M. Blatchford, 

R. A. Witthaus, P. M. Wetmore, Acting Secretary. 

Mr. Haws, Comptroller, was called to the chair, and P. M. Wet- 
more appointed to act as Secretary. 

The Secretary read a letter from Hon. Hamilton Fish in rela- 
tion to the presentation of testimonial to Mr. 0. Blunt, which was 
read and ordered to be entered on the minutes. 



86 

" Gabrison's, iViw. Isf, 1861. 
" Dear Sir : 

" I am this day in receipt of your note of 29th ult., inclosing a 
copy of a resolution of the Executive Committee of the Union De- 
fence Committee, requesting the Chairman of that body to present 
to Mr. Blunt the testimonial ordered by them and so well merited 
by his efficient and faithful services. 

'* Esteeming this request of the committee a high compliment, 
scarcely deserved by necessary absence for some months from any 
participation in the duties or deliberations of the committee, I 
shall most cheerfully comply with their request. 

" I expect to return to the city about the middle of the next 
week, and will then do myself the honor to consult the wishes 
of the committee as to the time and manner of making the 
presentation. 

*' "With great respect, 

"Your obed't serv't, 

** Hamilton Fish.'* 

Mr. Low stated the object of the meeting to give proper expres- 
sion to the sentiments of the committee in regard to the retirement 
of Lieut.-Gen. Scott from the command of the United States Army. 

Mr. Low read a preamble and resolution, and also submitted 
additional resolutions from Mr. Draper, who was absent. 

On motion of Mr. Pierrepont, Resolved, That the subject of the 
proper mode of rendering due honors to Lieut.-General Scott, on 
his retirement from the command of the army, be refen-ed to a select 
committee of five, to be appointed by the Chair, and that the 
resolutions submitted at this time be referred to that committee 
when appointed. 

Resolved, That when this committee adjourn, it will adjourn 
subject t(» a call from the Chairman of the Select Committee. 

The Chair appointed to said select committee 

Messrs. Edwards Pierrepont, A. A. Low, A. T. Stewart, R. A. 
Witthaus, E. H. McCurdy, Hamilton Fish. 

Whereupon the meeting adjourned. 



HONORS TO GENERAL SCOTT 

Friday, November 8th, 1861. 
At a quarter past 11 o'clock a.m., those members of the com- 
mittee in attendance at the Brevoort House were notified that 
General Scott was ready to receive them in his parlor. 



87 

The committee, led by the Chairman, Governor Hamilton Fish, 
immediately entered, and the General with those of his military 
family present, rose to receive them. The committee remained 
standing, and the interview was very impressive. 

Judge Pierrepont addressed the General as follows : 

*' General Scott : The Union Defence Committee of the City of 
New York call to present to you their compliments, their homage, 
and their respect, alike too high and too profound for words to ex- 
press; they ask the honor to take you by the hand, and through 
the electric chain by which heart communicates with heart, to 
tell you what the tongue cannot utter. Before you leave the shores 
of this your native land, perhaps forever, we wish for ourselves, 
and for those whom we represent, to express to you our thanks and 
our gratitude for what you have so nobly done for the preservation 
of the integrity of this great nation, of which Ave have been so 
proud, and of this constitutional liberty which we so mucli love. 

"We are not unmindful of the great difficulties under which 
you have labored, and of the trying times in which you have 
been placed. But it is difficulty and trial which test the purityof 
a patriot's virtues ; and it is because you have come out of the liory 
ordeal with every gem in your patriot diadem more bright that Ave 
come to do you honor. The soil of that ancient State Avhicli nur- 
tured a General Washington, and bred a General Scott, Avliile men 
slept, "the enemy" soAved Avith seed of traitors! and in your 
mother's house you were called to draw your sword against your 
mother's sons, because those sons were your country's foes ; and you 
did not falter ! The honors of the starry flag under Avhich the 
young hero earned his dawning fame were as bright and as dear to 
the old hero in his declining days as when they shone at Lundy's 
Lane. 

*' The advents of true patriots and great men are always sepa- 
rated by long intervals of years ; but few have ever appeared ; and 
in the Avhole circuit of the sun, scarce one Avho liad the wisdom and 
the courage to resign his power until Death called for his crown, his 
scepter, or his SAvord. 

" It will be the croAvning glory of your honored life, that, after 
remaining at the old soldier's post until all imminent danger to 
your country Avas OA'er — until you had called a braA'e young soldier 
to your side, instructed him in all the Avisdom of your experienced 
age, placed your mantle upon his shoulders, and called doAvn the 
blessing of God upon him and your country's cause — that you had 



88 

the wisdom from on high to retire at the fitting hour, and thus 
to make the glories of your setting sun ineffably more bright for 
the radiant luster which they shed upon the young and dawning 
hope of your beloved land. 

" I present to you the Union Defence Committee, with whom you 
did so cordially co-operate in the early perils of this war. I speak 
the sentiments of each and all when I say that their blessings and 
their prayers will follow you 'upon the great deep, and into foreign 
lands.' Your many battles, all of which were victories, we need not 
hei-e enumerate. But now, when your departure is at hand, and Ave 
know not what may befall us, Ave can truly say at parting, you have 
fought the good fight, you have kept the patriots' and the Christians 
faith ; on earth you Avill leave a name of imperishable renoAvn, and 
in Heaven, by God's mercy, there will aAvait you a crown of glory 
"which can never fade away." 

General Scott replied as follows : 

" Gentlemen of the Union Defence Committee : I am in a poor 
condition to meet you on this great occasion. I am at this moment 
laboring under much dizziness. I would wish to rise to the height 
of the present moment, but my physical inability will cause me 
iittei'ly to fail in my Avishes. I feel that I am greatly honored — 
honored by those to whom honor is due. I feel that I am not only 
in the bosom of my countrymen — of my fellow-citizens of the town 
in which I have lived, more or less, for the past forty odd years— but 
I feel I am in the bosom of my friends. Oh ! for one moment of 
brightness, that 1 might do justice to my feelings — some small jus- 
tice to the dignity and Aveight of this company. 

** I go, gentlemen, across the ocean for a short period, and for a 
special purpose — for the chance of getting rid of this dizziness, 
Avhich per[)lexes me almost every moment, and in the hope of find- 
ing some relief for the infirmities I have labored under for many 
years, and Avhich have been greatly increased by the unceasing 
labors of the last ten or eleven months. 

"It is my expectation to return again to that country to Avhich I am, 
like yourselves, Avholly devoted. All that country — I mean the Union 
commenced Avith the good old thirteen States — 1 hope Avill soon 
he made up again to its thirty-four. Tliough I have been compelled 
to retire from the field, I have the consolation to be able to assure 
you that the command of the army is in competent hands. My 
opinion on the subject may have some Aveight Avitli you. 

" I leave in the field generals of great ability — Major-Generals 



89 

McClellan and Halleck — of a high order of intellect;, of scientific 
attainments, of much ability in all military affairs and of excellent 
judgment and discretion. Under their command and that of the 
brigadier-generals, I have no doubt the armies of the country will 
be led to victory ; I have no doubt that in their hands the destinies 
of the country will be safe ; and I have no doubt that they will 
achieve a successful and honorable peace within a few months, and 
that the great blessiugs of peace will again be restored to us within 
a reasonable period. 

" I have considerable confidence in the administration of the 
country. I do not speak of party confidence, for I have long ceased 
to be a party man. I have great confidence in the President. He 
is a man of capacity, untiring zeal and conscientiousness. It is due 
for mo to say that he is not a President of my making ; T had no 
part nor lot in his election. I confess that he has agreeably disap- 
pointed me. He is a man of great ability, fidelity and patriotism. 
I could speak in a similar manner of several members of the cabi- 
net, but I forbear. 

*' I do not know as I can say more. It will be my pride as well as 
my pleasure to return home soon, as I hope to do, where I have ex- 
perienced so much favor and kindness from a large circle of friends. 
I must take leave of you soon, but I will say a few more words. 
On the breaking out of this great Civil War, I recollect the great 
and important services rendered by the Union Defence Committee. 
I remember how you sustained the Government in forwarding troops 
for the defence of the National Capital, how by your zeal in equip- 
ping and sending forward, with the means at your disposal, large 
bodies of patriotic and excellent troops, which came in good time, 
the tide of rebellion, which commenced at Baltimore, was turned 
against the enemies of our country. The Government had not the 
means of defending itself where they were most needed. This com- 
mittee came forward and applied the remedy, and averted the danger. 

" I wish again to thank the committee in my own behalf; I 
know they have the sincere and most grateful thanks of the Gov- 
ernment. I would wish to say much more, but must take my leave 
of you." 

Governor Fish then said : 

" I ask permission, on behalf of my associates of the Union De- 
fence Committee, to present them individually, that they may enjoy 
the privilege of taking the hand that for more than fifty years has 
wielded the sword, always effectively, and always with the view to 



90 

the restoration of peace ; and whose pen has never written a word 
that was not full of noble sentiment. Let me present to you each 
member of the committee to take an affectionate leave." 

Governor Fish then presented the individual members of the 
committee to the general, for each of whom he had a parting word, 
and they then withdrew from a scene which was most touching and 
impressive. 

A MEETING, called at the request of the Chairman of the Execu- 
tive Committee, was held on the 10th day of December, 1861, at the 
rooms of the committee, No. 30 Pine Street, at 1 o'clock p.m. 

Present : 

Hon. Edwards Pierrepont in the Chair. 
Messrs. A. A. Low, Messrs. W. M. Evarts, Secretary, 

Samuel Sloan, Wm. E. Dodge, 

Isaac Bell, Jr., Moses H. Grinnell, 

A. C. Richards, Rud. A. Witthaus, 

Hon. Mayor Wood, Prosper M. Wetmore, 

Hon. Comptroller Haws, Robert H. McCurdy, 

Alexander T. Stewart. 

On motion, the reading of the minutes was dispensed with. 

The following preamble and resolutions, submitted by Mr. Sloan 
and seconded by Mr. Grinnell, were unanimously adopted, viz. : 

WhereaSy The citizens of New York, in mass meeting assembled 
on the 20th, April, 1861, 

Resolved, That it is the duty of all good citizens, overlooking 
past differences of opinion, to defend the Constitution, to preserve 
the national flag from insult, and uphold the authority of the 
Government against acts of lav/less violence, which if longer unre- 
sisted would inevitably end in breaking down all the barriers erected 
by our fathers for the protection of life, liberty and property, and 
involve the country in anarchy and confusion ; 

And Whereas, The President of the United States manfully and 
patriotically in his message declares that "in considering the policy 
to be adopted for suppressing the insurrection, I have been anxious 
and careful that the inevitable conflict for this purpose shall not 
degenerate into a violent and remorseless revolutionary struggle. I 
have, therefore, in every case thought it proper to keep the integrity 
of the Union prominent as the primary object of the contest on our 
part, and that the Union must be preserved; and hence all disposable 



91 

means must be employed. We should not be in haste to determine 
that radical and extreme measures, which may reach the loyal as 
well as the disloyal, are indispensable; " 

Therefore Resolved, That this committee do most heartily approve 
the patriotic sentiments of President Lincoln, and that we trust 
that he may receive the united support of all good citizens who stand 
by the Union, the Constitution and the Laws. 

Resolved, That we deprecate the discussion of projects which 
tend to disturb and alienate the Union sentiment of our people. 

Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings be transmitted to the 
President of the United States. 

Resolved, That these pi'oceedings be published. 

Hereupon the meeting adjourned. 

Letter to the President 

Union Defence Committee, 

New York, December 11, 1861. 

To Abraham Lincoln, President, etc, etc. 

Sir : I have the honor to inclose to you, by the direction of the 
Union Defence Committee of the City of New York, the resolutions 
unanimously adopted by that committee at a meeting held on the 
10th December instant. 

I am, with great respect, 

Your obedient servant, 

William M. Evarts, 

Secretary U. D. C. 



A meeting by special call of the Executive Committee was held 
on Monday, February 10, 1862, at the room of the committee, No. 
30 Pine Street, at 12 o'clock m. 

Present : 

Simeon Draper, Vice- Chairman, 

Messrs A. A. Low, Messrs. Chas. H. Eussell, 

Edwards Pierrepont, Samuel Sloan, 

A. C. Eichards, Mayor Opdyke, 

K. H. McCurdy, Chas. H. Marshall, 

E. A. Witthaus, M. H. Grinnell, 

E. M. Blatchford, Isaac Bell, 

P. M. Wetmore, Acting Secretary. 



92 

Minutes of the Union Defence Committee, and also of the 
Executive Committee, were read and approved to date. 

The Chairman pro tem, of the Executive Committee at its last 
meeting, Mr. Blatchford, stated that the meeting had been called to 
hear a statement from Judge Pierrepont in reference to topics in- 
troduced before the Executive Committee. 

Judge Pierrepont submitted his general views of the condition 
of the country in reference to the existing rebellion. 

Mr. Pierrepont was followed by Mr. Low, Mr. Marshall, Mr. 
Richards, the Mayor, and Mr, McCurdy. 

Mr. Draper submitted the following resolution, seconded by Mr. 
Marshall. 
|/ Resolved, That the Union Defence Committee regard the pro- 

ceeding of the Congressional Committee on Contracts, knoAvn as the 
"Van Wyck Committee," as of great value and importance to the 
country, and they desire to express their acknowledgments for the 
labors performed by that committee, and respectfully request that 
they may be encouraged to extend their field of usefulness, and if 
necessary to ask from Congress power to enlarge their investigation, 
so as to embrace every interest connected with the public affairs of 
the Grovernment and the welfare of the country. 

On motion of Mr. Sloan, the resolution was laid on the table. 

His Honor Mayor Opdyke submitted the following resolution, 
seconded by Mr. McCurdy. 

Besolved, That the Union Defence Committee of the City of New 
York regards the immediate passage of the bill now before the 
Senate of the United States, authorizing the issue of one hundred 
and fifty millions of dollars in treasury notes, to be made a legal 
tender, as absolutely essential to the financial success of the Govern- 
ment. 

The resolution was discussed by Messrs. Opdyke, Draper, Blatch- 
ford, Pierrepont, McCurdy; and, on a division, was declared to be 
adopted. 

Mr. Richards submitted the following resolution, seconded by 
Mr. Sloan : 

Resolved, That the Union Defence Committee regard the present 
condition of the country as such as to render it expedient to appoint 
a committee of five members to consider the propriety of calling- 
together a limited number of wise and patriotic citizens from differ- 
ent sections of the country, for the purpose of proposing measures 
for strengthening the hands of the Government, and that such com- 
mittee be requested to report at an early meeting, and include in 



93 

such reporb the names of such citizens, if any, as they recommend 
to be called together, and the place at which such meeting should 
be held. 

After discussion by Mr. Eichards, Mr. Draper, Mr. Bell, Mr, 
Sloan, the resolution on a division was declared to be curried. 

Mr. Kichards asking to be excused from serving, the Vice-Chair- 
man named the following members to constitute the committee : 
Messrs. Pierrepont, Eussell, Opdyke, Blatchford, Sloan. 

Adjourned. 

In accordance with the following call for ** a meeting of the 
Union Defence Committee to consider resolutions relating to re- 
cent loyal victories," such meeting was held this day, February 
15th, 1862, at 2 o'clock p.m., at the room of the committee, No. 
30 Pine Street. 

Present : 
Simeon Draper, Vice- Chair 7nan, in the chair. 
Messrs. Moses Taylor, Messrs. E, M. Blatchford, 

Samuel Sloan, Isaac Bell, 

Chas. H. Marshall, Moses H. Grinnell, 

Wm. E. Dodge, P. M. Wetmore, Acting Sec'y. 

The following preamble and resolutions were unanimously 
adopted : 

The Union Defence Committee, acting for their fellow citizens 
of New York, iu the expression of love of country and devotion to 
its institutions ; and, regarding it alike as a privilege and a duty 
to follow with their hopes and words of encouragement the prog- 
ress of the loyal forces, naval and military, noAv engaged in tiie 
duty of suppressing rebellion and upholding the flag of the Union, 
do hereby 

Resolve, First, that the cheering accounts of the success of our 
gallant officers, soldiers and seamen, in the brilliant operations of 
the war, call for the earnest thanks and cordial congratulations of 
every loyal citizen for the burdens they have borne, the dangers 
they have encountered, the blood they have shed, the skill and 
bravery they have shown in eveVy conflict by land or sea, and for 
the enduring luster which their deeds of heroism and tlieir for- 
bearance in the hour of victory have shed upon the American name 
and character. 

Second, That the navy has signalized its skill, bravery and 
patriotism in the following instances, namely : 



94 

The capture of tlie Hatteras forts ; 
The conquest of the defences of Port Koyal ; 
The successful bombardment of Fort Henry ; 
The capture of Roanoke Island ; 

And that the names of Stringham, Dupont, Foote and Golds- 
borough confer distinction on the rolls of the American Navy. 

Third, That the army has won enduring renown in the follow- 
ing conflicts, namely : 

The battle of Philippa ; 

The battles of Booneville and Brier Forks in Missouri ; 

The defence of Lexington in Missouri ; 

The capture of an insurgent force by General Pope, in Missouri ; 

The victory of Dranesville, in Virginia ; 

The total rout of Marshall by Colonel Garfield, in Kentucky ; 

The brilliant success at Somerset and Mill Spring, in Kentucky, 
and the crowning triumph in the storming of the works at Roanoke 
and the capture of the rebel army. 

Fourth, That the gallant conduct and noble devotion to country 
evinced in these and other conflicts reflect the highest honor on 
the commanding officers and on the forces engaged. 

Fifth, That the citizens of New York have reason to feel proud 
and happy in reflecting on the heroism shown by the soldiers they 
have assisted to place in the field, and that they will hold in grate- 
ful recollection the services of Hawkins and Ferrero ; of Betts and 
Potter, of Kimball and Le Gendre, and the gallant regiments led 
by them in the storming of Roanoke. 

Sixth, That in placing this record on their minutes, the Union 
Defence Committee desires to share with Rhode Island in the glory 
and honor which attaches to the name of Burnside, illustrated 
equally in the triumph over difficulties and in the conquest of 
arms. 

Seventh, Tiiat acknowledgments and congratulations to those 
who have been spared to witness the triumph of the national arms 
must not be unaccompanied by a grateful tribute to the memory of 
the fallen in battle. The glory of Lyon and Baker is imperish- 
able ; upon the same page illustrated by these names will appear 
those of the gallant Russell, and of the chivalrous De Monteil. 
Lives given to the country on the field of battle, in the cause of 
liberty, do not pass away ; they survive in the hearts of the nation, 
and are treasured as the richest possessions of a free people. 

Eighth, That this committee recognize in the recent exhibitions 



95 

of loyal feeling in the Southwestern States and on the southern 
sea-coast the strongest evidence Avhich can be given of the declin- 
ing fortunes of rebellion, and as furnishing in connection with the 
recent success of the army and navy, the surest indications of a 
speedy triumph of the cause of the Constitution and the Union. 

JSIinth, That copies of these proceedings be transmitted to the 
President, tlie Department of War, and of the Navy, and published. 

Adjourned. 

A SPECIAL meeting of the committee was held at the room of the 
U. D. C, No. 30 Pine Street, on Monday, February 17, 1862, at — 
o'clock P.M. 

Present : 
Simeon Draper, Vice- Chairman, presiding. 
Chas. H. Marshall, K. M. Blatchford, 

Samuel Sloan, Comptroller Haws, 

M. H. Grinnell, ' A. T. Stewart, 

E. A. Witthaus, P. M. Wetmore, Acfg Sec'y. 

On motion of Mr. Draper, the following resolutions were unani- 
mously adopted, ordered to be transmitted to the proper authorities 
and published. 

1. Resolved, That in further acknowledgment of tlie loyal and 
gallant conduct of the Union forces, now engaged in suppressing re- 
bellion, this committee desire to express their admiration of the 
strategic skill of the commanding generals, the determined ardor 
and dashing bravery of the officers, soldiers and seamen engaged in 
the investment, assault and capture of Fort Donelson, on the Cum- 
berland Kiver, in Tennessee. 

2. Resolved, That the public heart of the country overflows with 
gratitude to the heroic men who have added a new glory to our na- 
tional annals. 

3. Resolved, That the memory of the patriots who have main- 
tained the national honor at the sacrifice of their lives becomes a 
sacred trust of a grateful country ; and that the wounded and suf- 
fering defenders of the Union are entitled to the sympathy of all 
who appreciate the principles of loyal duty and devoted patriotism. 

4. Resolved, With the view to give public expression of the 
grateful sense entertained by the people in regard to the recent suc- 
cesses of the national arms, this committee recommend that the 
citizens of New York, Brooklyn and vicinity be invited to assemble 
in mass meeting on the day made illustrious by the birth of Wash- 
ington — the 22d of February instant. 



96 

5. Resolved, That a Select Committee be appointed to make the 
necessary arrangements for the meeting, and to give public notice of 
the time and place; and that his Honor the Mayor be requested to 
preside. 

The Committee of Arrangements was constituted as follows : 

Simeon Draper, Chainnan, 

Hamilton Fish, Kobert T. Haws, 

George Opdyke, A. A. Low, 

M. H. Grinnell, James S. Wadsworth, 

John A. Dix, E. M. Blatchford, 

A. C. Richards, Samuel Sloan, 

Isaac Bell, John J. Astor, Jr., 

Charles H. Eussell, Cliarles H. Marshall, 

Wm. M. Evarts, Alex. T. Stewart, 

Edwards Pierrepont, R. A. Witthaus, 

R. H. McCurdy, Prosper M. Wetmore, Sec7'etary. 

Note. — Major-General Dix, Brigadier-General "Wadsworth and 
Colonel Astor Avere absent, being in the discharge of military duties 
in the field. 



February 24, 1862. 
The Secretary of the Executive Committee, on behalf of the 
*' Committee of Arrangements," laid on the table a full report of 
the proceedings at the mass meeting on the evening of the 22d in- 
stant, in honor of Washington's Birthday and of the recent Union 
victories. 



At a meeting of the committee held March 12, 18G2, at the 
room, No. 30 Pine Street, in pursuance to a call of the Chairman of 
the Executive Committee, the following members were 

Preseiit : 
Hon. Hamilton Fish, Chairman, 
S. Draper, Vice-Chairman, M. H. Grinnell, 
A. A. Low, Treasurer, Isaac Bell, Jr., 

Charles H. Russell, Samuel Sloan, 

R. M. Blatchford, R. H. McCurdy, 

Charles H. Marshall, A. C. Richards, 

William F. Havemeyer, P. M. Wetmore, 

A. T. Stewart, 
His Honor Mayor Opdyke, 
Comptroller Haws. 



97 

On motion, Mr. Wctmore was appointed to act as Secretary pro 
tem. 

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. 

The minutes of the meetings of the Executive Committee were 
read and approved to date. 

The Secretary joro tem. submitted the bills incurred at the meet- 
ing of February 22d, amounting to about the sum of $400. 

Ordered, Tliat the bills be referred to the Finance Committee, 
and that upon the order of the Chairman of that Committee, Mr. 
Kussell, the same be paid by the Treasurer. 

Mr. Draper stated that he had taken the responsibility of con- 
vening the meeting, in the belief that the Committee would desire 
to adopt measures for expressing their sentiments in regard to the 
public affairs of the country. 

Mr. Draper submitted a series of resolutions, numbered from 1 
to 6 inclusive, as follows : 

1. Resolved, That this Committee offer their cordial congratula- 
tions to the President of the United States for the eminent success 
Avhich has crowned the national arms with victory on many fields 
of action, illustrated by consummate skill and gallant conduct. 

2. Resolved, That the thanks of every loyal citizen are due to 
the commanding generals of the army, the officers in command of 
the naval operations, and to the soldiers and seamen who, having 
shared in the dangers, are entitled to participate in the honors and 
rewards of success. 

3. Resolved, That this Committee take pleasnre in placing on 
their records of brilliant achievements by the national forces the 
combined movements at Brunswick, Georgia, and Fernandina, Flor- 
ida ; and tlie recent brilliant triumph in the mountains of Arkansas, 
under Curtis and Sigel and Asboth. 

4. Resolved, That the skillful strategic movements of the army 
and navy, united in the common cause, by which have been secured 
the bloodless but none the less effectual success of Bowling Green, 
Columbus, Nashville and Manassas, have won for those branches of 
the public service an enduring renown and the grateful plaudits of 
the country. 

5. Resolved, That among the names which give luster to the 
rolls of the American army are to be numbered those of Halleck, 
Buell and Grant, McClernand and Smith. 

6. Resolved, That in reviewing the brilliant opening of the cam- 
paign, and noting for future acknowledgment the triumph of skill 
and bravery, which already adorn our military annals, it is justly 



98 

dne, that the grateful thanks of every citizen who desires to see the 
glory of his country maintained untarnished should be rendered to 
Lieut.-Greueral Winfield Scott and Major-General George B. Mc- 
Clellan for their united Avisdom, experience, scientific knowledge 
and loyal patriotism evinced in the conduct of the war, and in di- 
recting its movements. 

Mr. Low submitted resolutions numbered 7, S, 9, to wit: 

7. Resolved, That the recent engagement in Hampton Eoads, re- 
sulting in the swift destruction of the two frigates Cumberland and 
Congress, and the loss of many valuable lives, teaches the important 
lesson that wooden structures, however large and however armed, are 
valueless when opposed to iron-clad ships. 

8. Resolved, That the salvation of the Minnesota, St. Laiorence 
and possibly the Roanoke, together with much other valuable prop- 
erty, was solely due to the opportune presence of the Ericsson bat- 
tery. 

9. Resolved, That the existence of such .<i vessel as the Merrimac, 
threatening our important seaports, demands the immediate creation 
of other vessels like the Monitor with the least possible loss of time ; 
and that other means should be devised for crushing, foundering or 
casting on shore such vessels as the 3Ierrimac if they should ever 
venture to enter our harbor or approach our shores. 

Mr. Draper submitted Nos. 10, 11, viz. : 

10. Resolved, That we are proud of the achievements of Mr. 
Ericsson in his experiments producing the successful Moni- 
tor — that has performed one of the noblest acts of modern 
times. 

11. Resolved, That the neglect of the Navy Department in omit- 
ting to provide for tlie defence of our shipping, our harbors and our 
homes against the loug and well-known Confederate preparation of 
the Merritnac for oiw destruction, demands our earnest remonstrance 
against the continuance of the acknowledged feebleness in the ad- 
ministration of the Navy Department. 

Mr. Opdyke submitted No. 13, as follows: 

12. Resolved, That this Committee heartily approves the views 
expressed by the President of the United States on the subject of 
emancipation in his latest communication to Congress. 

Ordered, That the several resolutions be referred to a Committee 
of five to report at an adjourned meeting to-morrow, said Com- 
mittee to consist of Messrs. Low, Draper, Russell, Sloan and 
Fish. 

Adjourned to Thursday, twelve o'clock m. 



99 

Adjotjkned Meeting held at 30 Pine Street, MarcJi, 13, 1862. 

The Select Committee appointed at the meeting of yesterday to 
consider and report on resolutions then submitted, met at tea 
o'clock A.M. 

Present : 

Hon. Hamilton Fish, Chairman, A. A. Low, 

S. Draper, Charles H. Eussell. 

After discussion, the Committee decided that it was inexpedient 
to report any resolutions at this time. 



Meeting held at 30 Pine Street, March 13, 1803, 13 m. 

Present : 

Hon. Hamilton Fish, Chairman, 
A. A. Low, Treasurer, Charles H. Marshall, 

Charles H. Eussell, A. T. Stewart, 

E. H. McCurdy, P. M. Wetmore, Scc'ij pro tern. 

No quorum being present, the Committee adjourned. 



Meeting at 30 Pine Street, Wednesday, April 30, 1863. 
Meeting called to receive report of Executive Committee. 

Present : 

Governor H. Fish, Chairinan, 
E. M, Blatchford, Charles H. Marshall, 

William M. Evarts, A. A. Low, 

M. H. Grinnell, Samuel Sloan, 

A. C. Eichards, E. H. McCurdy, 

P. M. "Wetmore, Charles H. Eussell. 

A (luorum not being present, the meeting was adjourned. 



Meeting held at No. 30 Pine Street, Thursday, May Wi, 1863. 
Meeting called to receive report from the Executive Committee, 
and to consider the question of the final disposition of the private 
fund. 



100 

Present : 

Governor H. Fish, Chairman, 
Messrs. S. Draper, Messrs. A. A. Low, 

I. Bell, Charles H. Marshall, 

S. Sloan, A. T. Stewart, 

E. H. McCurdy, M. H. Grinnell, 

E. M. Blatchford, P. M. Wetraore. 

No quorum appearing, the meeting was adjourned. 

No. 30 Pine Street, July 1, 1862 
Meeting called for this day at one o'clock. 

Present : 
Goyernor H. Fish, Chairman, 
Messrs. Low, Messrs. Sloan, 

Bell, Taylor, 

Stewart, Blatchford, 

Eichards, Dodge, 

J Grinnell, Marshall. 

Wetmore, 

No quorum appearing, the meeting adjourned, and the members 
repaired to the Astor House, on the invitation of Mr. Blatchford, to 
hold an interview with Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State 
of the United States. 

In addition to the members named above, there were also present 
at the interview Governor Morgan, of New York, and Governor 
Curtin, of Pennsylvania. 

The Secretary of State made certain statements in regard to the 
condition of public affairs, especially in relation to the army, which 
statements were to be received aud held in confidence. 

After the reading of several papers and some interchange of opin- 
ions. Governor Fish, on behalf of the Committee, responded to the 
remarks of the Secretary, and at the suggestion of the members pres- 
ent, the remarks of the Chairman were reduced to writing, to be en- 
tered on the minutes. 

At the request of the Secretary of State, a copy of this minute 
was furnished to him, as follows : 

Statement of Secretary Seward. 

Astor House, New York, July 1, 1862. 
Governor Seward, Secretary of State, having requested an inter- 
view with the Union Defence Committee of New York, twelve mem- 



101 

bers of that body waited upon him, at his rooms in this house, at 
two o'clock P.M. 

After a statement by tlie Secretary in reference to the present 
condition of the army, and tlie existing necessity for an additional 
military force to be furnished by the loyal States of the Union, 

Governor Hamilton Fish, Chairman of the Committee, replied in 
its behalf, and stated that a meeting of the members had been called 
for this day with the view to close the transactions of the Commit- 
tee, and to dissolve its organization. In the absence of a quorum, 
the present assemblage was necessarily an informal one, but with the 
knowledge he had of the sentiments of the members present, as well 
as of those Avho were absent, he felt confident that after the remarks 
submitted by the Secretary of State [no member of the Committee 
could entertain a thought of terminating its labors at this time] ; that 
the proposed action of the State and national authorities would 
meet the cordial approval of the entire body, and that, in the future, 
as in the past, every means within its control would be freely given 
in furtherance of this and every other effort of the Government for 
the speedy suppression of the Eebellion, 

[The rough draft of these remarks Avas made and handed to the 
Secretary of State after Governor Fish had left the room. The ex- 
act Avords used by him, in place of those inserted above in brackets, 
were the folloAving: "No member would entertain the thought 
of terminating the labors of the Committee while there existed an 
opportunity of their services being available to the Government or 
to the public interests."] 

Entered of record, at the request of the members present. 



Meeting at No. 30 Pine Street, July 8, 1862. 

Present : 

Hamilton Fish, Chairman, 
Messrs. Dodge, Messrs. McCurdy, 

Sloan, Blatchford, 

Eichards, Stewart, 

Haws, Witthaus, 

Havemeyer, Grinnell, 

P. M. Wetmore, Bell, 

The Mayor. 

Mr. Prosper M. Wetmore was appointed to act as Secretary jsro 
tern. 



102 

The minutes of the meeting of March 12th and of the informal 
meeting of the 1st instant, were read and approved. 

The Chairman submitted a communication from the Chamber of 
Commerce, in the following words, to wit: 

"Chamber op Commekce of the State op New York, 
"New York, July 5, 1862. 
'* Gentlemen : 

"I have the honor to communicate the following resolution 
unanimously passed this day by a Committee appointed on the part 
of the Chamber to take into consideration the present state of our 
national affairs: 

" ' Resolved, Tliat a Committee of five be appointed to meet a 
similar Committee from the Union Defence Committee and Commit- 
tees from other bodies of loyal citizens, to unite upon the proper 
measures to sustain the National Government in crushing out the 
Rebellion, with power to call this Committee together to receive 
their report.' 

"Under this resolution, the following gentlemen were appointed 
on the part of the Chamber of Commerce : 

" Messrs. Hon. George Opdyke, Denning Duer, C. R. Robert, 
John A. Stevens, Jonathan Sturges. 

"With great respect, 

"Your obedient servant, 

"John Austin Stevens, Jr., 
" Secretary. 
"To the Union Defence Committee, New York." 

On motion of Mr. Blatchford, 

Resolved, That a Committee of five members be appointed to 
confer with the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, under the 
resolution of that body. 

The Chair named the Committee as follows : 

Messrs. Blatchford, Sloan, Stewart, Witthaus, Richards. 

On motion of Mr. Haws, 

Resolved, That the Select Committee have full power to act in 
concert Avith the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce. 

On motion of Mr. Blatchford, the Chairman and Secretary pro 
tern, were added to the Select Committee. 

i^esoZve^ unanimously, That it is inexpedient at the present time 
for the Committee to dissolve its organization. 



103 

Mr. Sloan submitted the following : 

Resolved, That the sum of $200 be appropriated in aid of two 
companies of the brigade commanded by Brigadier-General Spinola, 
on the presentation of vouchers approved by the Commanding Gen- 
eral. 

Eefcrred to Committee on Aid to Regiments of the Executive 
Committee. [See Reports.] 

Mr. Grinnell submitted the report of the Executive Committee, 
which was accepted and ordered to be printed. 

Ordered, That the sum of one hundred dollars be paid to James 
M. Anderson for services for two months past. 

Mr. Sloan submitted the following: 

1. Resolved, That the Secretary notify all the members of the 
Committee of its determination to continue this organization, and 
in every practicable mode to promote and carry out the object which 
it was originally intended to accomplish. 

2. Resolved, Tiiat the members of this Committee be requested 
to signify in writing, addressed to the Chairman, as early as con- 
venient, their approval of the above resolution, and of their willing- 
ness to give punctual attendance at the meetings. 

And the same were adopted and ordered to be communicated to 
the members. 
Adjourned. 



Meeting, New York, July 8, 1863. 

DEATH OF GENERAL JAMES S. WADSWORTH. 

The public papers having announced the death of General Wads- 
worth, killed in battle in Virginia, the following notice was pub- 
lished : 

Notice. 

The members of the Union Defence Committee are invited 
to assemble at the room of tlie Chamber of Commerce on Fri- 
day, the 13th instant, at 12 o'clock, to adopt measures of re- 
spect for the memory of their late associate General James S. 
Wadsworth. 

By request, 

Hamilton Fish, Chairman. 
New York, May 11, 1864. 



104 

Union Defence Committee, Rooms of the Chamber of Commerce, 

New Yoxk, May 13, 1864. 

Present : 

Hamilton Fish, Chairman, 
Messrs. Draper, Messrs. Grinnell. 

Blatchford, McCurdy, 

Stewart, Sloan, 

Astor, Bell, 

Pierrepont and Wetmore, Acting Secretaries. 

The chairman addressed the Committee in relation to the char- 
acter, pnblic services and private worth of General Wadsworth. 

Eecent statements from the army affording gronnds for hope that 
General Wadsworth may still be living,the Committee adjourned to 
await further information, and to meet at the call of the chairman. 



Reliable information having been obtained that the body of Gen- 
eral Wadsworth had been recovered, and was on the way to New 
York, the chairman caused the following notice to be issued for this 
meeting. 

Notice. 

Union Defence Committee, New Yokk, May 19, 1864. 

An adjourned meeting of the members of this Committee will 

be held at the Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, 21st instant, at 

12 o'clock, to adopt measures of respect for the memory of their 

late associate General James S. Wadsw^orth. 

By request, 

Hamilton Fish, Chairman. 
New York, May 2Ut, 1864. 



Union Defence Committee, Chamber of Commerce, May 21, 1864. 

Present : 

Hamilton Fish, Chairman, 
Messrs. Charles H. Marshall, E. H. McCurdy, 

P. M. Wetmore, Acting Secretary. 

On motion of Mr. Marshall, seconded by Mr. McCurdy, the fol- 
lowing resolutions, prepared by Judge Pierrepont, were unanimously 
adopted. 



105 

Resolved, That when we consider that, from the very beginning 
of this war, General Wadsworth, a Avealthy, cultured and honored 
gentleman, impelled by a high sense of duty and of right, left his 
home of beauty, of luxury, of affection and of love, to sacrifice every 
pleasure, to devote his every hour, to spend the weary winter in the 
frontier camp, to soothe and cheer the homesick, dying soldier: to 
waste much of his private fortune, to imperil his own health, and 
finally to offer up his willing life in ins country's cause, we can 
find on the roll of history no record of a braver, truer man, or of 
a more devoted patriot. 

Resolved (while we tender to the bereaved wife and afflicted fam- 
ily of the illustrious dead our deepest sympathies and our holiest 
condolence), that " light is mingled with the gloom, and joy with 
grief — that he died as a brave patriot loves to die ! that he fell in 
the van of battle, leading his brave soldiers against the foe ; and 
the last sight which gleamed on his fading eye was the high waving 
flag of his country and of Liberty, and the last sound that fell upon 
his dying ear was the shout of victory ! 

To such a soul, there could be no happier time " for the dust to 
return to the earth as it was, and for the spirit to return unto God 
who gave it ! " 

Resolved^ Tliat by his devoted life, and by his glorious death, 
he leaves to his children the heritage of an imperishable name, 
and to coming generations a bright example for patriots to imi- 
tate. 

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be entered and 
kept among the records of this Committee; and that a copy of the 
same be presented to the family of the deceased. 

The Secretary read a copy of letter addressed by Major-General 
John A. Dix to the Secretary of War, as follows : 

Headquaetees Department of the East, 

New York City, May nth, 1865. 
Hon. E. M. Stanton, 

Secretary of War : 

Sir : I respectfully suggest that the name of Wadsworth be 
given to one of the forts in this harbor. At this juncture it strikes 
me as peculiarly appropriate, and I am sure it would be well re- 
ceived by our whole community. I do not know why Fort Kich- 
mond is so called. The records of the Engineer Department may 
show. With my present information, it suggests nothing to my 



106 

mind but some passages in British history, and a city sheltering 
traitors in arms against the Government. 

If there is any reason why this name cannot be changed for 
another which is identified with our own history at the most criti- 
cal period of our existence, and adorned with the manliest virtues, 
the fort at Sandy Hook is without a name, and may be made a 
medium for transmitting to posterity one eminently endeared to the 
people of this State. 

I am, very respectfully, 

Your ob'd't serv't, 
(Signed) John A. Dix, 

Major-Ge7i. 

The following letter, in support of the suggestion made by Gen- 
eral Dix was prepared and signed by the membei'S present, and sub- 
sequently by others, viz.: 

New York, 3Iay 21, 1864. 
Hoist. E. M. Stantoist, 

Secretary of War : 

Sir: The undersigned members of the Union Defence Commit- 
tee desire to express to you their approval of the suggestion made 
by Major-General Dix for giving the name of the lamented General 
Wadsworth to one of the forts in this harbor, and earnestly to re- 
quest that it be ado])ted. 

General Wadsworth leaves a brilliant name in our national an- 
nals. His memory will be cherished in this his native State for his 
public services and his eminent personal worth. 

The undersigned sincerely hope it may not be incompatible 
with other obligations of duty to comply with the suggestion of 
General Dix. 

With high respect, 

Your obedient servants, 
Hamilton Fish, C. H. Marshall, 

E. H. McCurdy, M. H. Grinnell, 

Edwards Pierrepont, William M. Evarts, 

Samuel Sloan, Isaac Bell, 

K. M. Blatchford, J. J. Astor, 

P. M. Wetmore. 

The chairman adjourned the Committee. 



107 

Meeting at Office of Sun Insurance Company, 
Wall, Street, February 10, 1865. 

At a joint meeting of the General and Executive Committees, 
held this day, the following members were present : 

Hamilton Fish, William M. Evarts, 

C. H. Eussell, John J. Astor, Jr., 

I. Bell, Moses H. Grinnell, 

S. Sloan, Charles H. Marshall, 

Moses Taylor, William E. Dodge, 

A. T. Stewait, Prosper M. Wetmore, Acting Secretary. 

The question was submitted in regard to recognizing the claim 
presented by Mr. Meyer for lodging and supplies for the 41st Eegi- 
ment Volunteers (De Kalb), whereupon it Avas 

Resolved, That this Committee does not recognize any liability 
for supplies of any kind furnished to regiments of volunteers. 

Resolved, That an adjourned joint meeting of these Committees 
be held at this place on Monday, the 13th instant, at 13 o'clock. 
Adjourned. 

Note. — Here end the Minutes of the General Committee. There seems to 
have been no formal dissolution of the organization. 

Editor. 

Ukion" Defen^ce Committee of the Citizens of New York. 

New York, Deeemher 17, 1867. 

Under authority granted and confirmed by a written instru- 
ment * bearing date November ii7th, 1867, signed by a majority 
of the surviving members of this Committee, a Commit-sion was 
created, composed of Messrs. Hamilton Fish, A. A. Low, Alexander 
T. Stewart, and Charles H. Eussell, empowered to "audit, adjust, 
settle and pay all outstanding claims against the Union Defence 
Committee," and also "to close up all accounts, affairs and busi- 
ness of the Committee, and to take charge of the books, papers, 
etc., and to dispose of the balance remaining in the hands of the 
Treasurer.'" 

After due notice in writing being served on each member of the 
said Commission, the three first named members, Messrs. Fish, Low 



* This instrument was not found among the papers of the Committee. 
The above minute of December 17, 1867, was received from Mr. A. A. Low, the 
Treasurer. 



108 

and Stewart, met at the room of the Chamber of Commerce, this 
day at two o'clock p.m. 

The following resolutions, submitted by Mr. SteAvart, were 
unanimously adopted : 
1/ 1. Resolved, That Mr. A. A. Loav, Treasurer, be authorized and in- 

structed to dispose of three of the five bonds or notes held by him, 
amounting to three thousand dollars, with any accrued interest or 
premium, and out of the proceeds thereof to pay the following 
claims : 

Samuel J. Glassey, for legal services $1,230 00 

K. A. Witthaus, for advance to Nicholas 

Myer 650 00 

Evarts, Southmayd & Choate, for legal ser- 
vices, etc 324 52 

Jesse Payne, copyist 33 65 

Telegraph charges 17 73 

$2,255 89 

2. Be.'^olved, That the remaining two bonds or notes of one 
thousand dollars each be deposited in the New York Life and Trust 
Company in the names of the members of this Commission as trus- 
tees, subject to disposition by the said Commission, or a majority of 
them. 

3. Resolved, Tliat in consideration of the services rendered by 
Prosper M, Wetmore, as Secretary of the Executive Committee of 
the Union Defence Committee, the Treasurer be authorized and 
instructed to pay to him whatever balance may remain of the funds 
in the hands of the Treasurer, after compliance with the conditions 
in the first and second resolutions. 

4. Resolved, That the check book and bank book, when fully 
balanced, the original authority for this action, and a certified copy 
of these proceedings be deposited with Mr. A. A. Low, and that all 
other books, papers and documents relating to the said Union Defence 

Y Committee be placed in a fitting trunk or box and deposited for 
safe keeping in the vaults of the Bank of Commerce. 

Ordered, That copies of these records and proceedings be placed 
in the hands of the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Hamilton Fish, 

And the Commission adjourned sine die. 

Attest: 



REPORTS 



EEPORTS 



FiKST Eeport of Executive Committee 

New York, May 20, 1861. 
In" conformity with the usual practice of Committees, and from 
a sense of duty to their constituents, the Executive Committee 
respectfully submit the following 

Eeport 

A mass meeting of the citizens of New York was convened on a 
general call of the people at Union Park on Saturday the 20th day 
, of April last. 

The cause of this assemblage was both unusual and remarkable. 
A great exigency had arisen in the public affairs of the country. 
The Constitution and laws had been infringed ; a contest had com- 
menced wliich threatened the very existence of the national author- 
ity; civil war in the shape of an armed rebellion was about to be 
waged under such fearful auspices that every loj^al citizen felt it to 
be his bounden duty to rally in some way to the support of his 
country. 

The appeal for aid in the emergency came from the executive 
head of the nation, and the answer was that of a united people, 
jealous of the rights and faithful to the principles which had given 
to them a long career of prosperity and a name conspicuous among 
the nations of the earth. 

The meeting of the citizensof New York gave the impulse to a gen- 
eral uprising in the loyal States of the North and East, which in con- 
nection with the patriotic spirit simultaneously evinced in the West 
has already retarded the progress of rebellion, and to a great extent 
restored the confidence recently so seriously shaken in the strength 
and permanency of our institutions. Millions of sympathizing 
friends of constitutional government have Joined in this great 
movement of patriotism, and a strong array of loyal States and com- 
munities now stand side by side Avith New York in a resolute deter- 
mination to put down rebellion, and, despite all peril and at what- 
ever cost, to maintain the honor and uphold the flag of the country. 



112 

A great change in public feeling and in tlie condition of public 
affairs has been wrought in one short month. It may not be deemed 
out of place or unprofitable to review briefly the causes which have 
led to this suddeu reaction out of which has grown so confident a 
hope in the future. 

By the action of the people of New York in mass meeting 
assembled a Committee was appointed consisting of twen ty-six citizens, 
to whose numbers six others were subsequently added. The objects 
sought to be accomplished by the appointment of this Committee, as 
stated in the resolution adopted by the meeting, were "to represent 
the citizens in the collection of funds, and the transaction of such 
other business in aid of the movements of the Government as the 
public interests may require." 

At the moment of their appointment the Committee found a 
civil war raging ; portions of the army and navy seriously demor- 
alized; treason working its will upon the property and flag of the 
country, and the capital of tlie nation, with all its treasury of archives 
and history, lying almost at the mercy of an unscrupulous assailant. 
Arsenals had been pillaged; public vessels had been surrendered 
without a shot fired in their defence ; bodies of troops had laid down 
their arms in dishonor, and in the judgment of the world serious 
apprehensions were entertained that an unjustifiable rebellion might 
become a successful revolution. 

The Union Defence Committee entered upon their duties at this 
fearful juncture. Their first act was to invite the necessary con- 
tributions to sustain their efforts in the public service. The re- 
sponse was given with a cheerful alacrity and generous public spirit 
characteristic of the commercial community of New York wlienever 
a just appeal is made to its patriotic munificence. 

But another response was promptly made to the call for aid 
which struck the key-note of patriotism throughout the country. 
The city of New York, in its corporate capacity, through the action 
of its municipal authorities, upon the recommendation of its chief 
magistrate. contributed a million of dollars to be applied to the 
equipment and outfit of its soldiers for the field, and for a limited 
period to the support of the families of those who should go forth in 
the cause of the country. No citizen of New York will ever turn 
the page which records that beneficent act without feeling more 
strongly than ever before his pride justified in, and his affection 
deepened for the noble city which has thus honored its name and 
illustrated its annals. 

The next act of the Union Defence Committee was to create of 



113 

its number an Executive Committee of ten members, wbich was 
subsequently extended to thirteen. To this stated body was assigned 
the responsible trust of rendering available to the public service the 
large resources placed in the treasury of the Committee. The con- 
fidence reposed by this proceeding calls for an acknowledgment to 
the constituent body, a faithful discharge of all delegated duties and 
responsibilities, and reports from time to time of the progress and 
results of their labors. 

In this their first formal report, the Executive Committee have 
deemed it not out of place to recur to the circumstances under which 
they entered upon their onerous duties, or to allude briefly to the 
success which has thus far crowned their exertions. Since their 
organization as a Committee twenty-nine days have clasped, during 
which period they have held forty-eight meetings, the proceedings 
at all of which are matters of record. They have divided the various 
subjects of labor among their number in sub-committees, from which 
special reports have been made in detail, and may be considered in 
connection with this more general statement of facts. 

Three deputations from the Committee have at different times 
visited the seat of the National Government to express with respect- 
ful deference the views they entertained, to communicate informa- 
tion of importance to the public service, and to perform other duties 
which could not safely be committed to other hands. They have 
at times employed special agents to obtain and communicate infor- 
mation to stimulate and keep alive the growing spirit of loyalty, and 
thus to accomplish effectually the work intrusted to them. 

But there is a view to be submitted which goes beyond the mere 
details of business and becomes matter for grateful reflection and 
for the records of history. 

The executive authorities of the State, actuated by a similar im- 
pulse Avith that which marked the city government, had united with 
the moving masses of the peoj^le in giving their aid and encourage- 
ment to the patriotic efibrts of the country. It will not, however, 
be deemed arrogant if the Committee state that, mainly owing to 
the exertions of the city and citizens of New York and to the zeal 
and efficiency of eminent military officers, an army has been placed 
in the field, armed and equipped for the defence of the national 
cause, in a shorter space of time, and Avith less expenditure of 
money, than, so far as any record shows, has ever before been accom- 
plished by any government, no matter how great its poAver, how 
abundant its resources, or however powerful the motive for its action. 

With a generous frankness which confers honor upon the exalted 
8 



114 

stations the}^ fill, the Chief Executive Officers of the National Govern- 
ment, and the distinguished Commanding-General of its army have 
been pleased to say that the safety of the National Capitol and the 
preservation of the archives of the Government, at a moment when 
both were seriously menaced, may fairly be attributed to the prompt 
and efficient action of the State and City of New York, united with 
the vigorous efforts of the noble Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 
devoted to the same disinterested and patriotic objects. 

The condition of public affairs is now materially changed. The 
Military and Naval Departments of the country are in the hands of 
competent and loyal officers ; order has been restored, vigor and a 
proper sense of the obligations of duty prevail in the public coun- 
cils ; the people, jealous of their own rights and liberties, are con- 
tent to leave the duties of Government in the hands of trusted 
authorities; and the time approaches when the Union Defence 
Committee may properly consider the propriety of asking to 
be relieved from a duty which was unsought, yet cheerfully 
accepted. 

The consciousness of having endeavored to discharge efficiently 
and faithfully a responsible trust more than repays the Executive 
Committee for the great amount of labor imposed upon them. 
While the cause exists which calls for continued effort on their 
part, the demand will be met, in the hope and expectation that, by 
vigor and prompt decision of action at any pressing emergency, the 
unjust and indefensible aggressions on the public authority of the 
country may be checked, and peace, order, prosperity, and national 
honor survive the dangers of an armed rebellion. 

The Executive Committee, in placing before the Union Defence 
Committee of the citizens of New York this general statement of 
their proceedings and the results obtained by them, venture to ask 
approval of their action, and feel no greater satisfaction than Avill 
arise from the sanction of the body from whom their authority was 
derived. 

Eespectfully submitted. 
Simeon Draper, Chairman, 
Theo. Dehojst, ex officio, Hamilton Fish, ex officio, 

Ariel A. Low, ex officio, John A. Dix, 

Moses H. Grinnell, James S. Wadsworth, 

A. C. Richards, Isaac Bell, 

Rich. M. Blatchford, Charles H. Marshall, 

Samuel Sloan, John Jacob Astor, 

P. M. Wetmore, Secretary. 



115 

Secokd Repoet of Executive Committee 

New York, June 29, 18G1. 

At a meeting held this day the following Report was received, 
and adopted. 

The Executive Committee, in the discharge of the duties con- 
fided to them, submitted a Report to the Union Defense Committee 
on tlie 20th day of May last, and resuming the record of their labors, 
now ask leave to present the following 

Report 

The routine business of the Committee had continued unin- 
terrupted in its daily performance until the 8th instant, on which 
day an order was made to hold weekly meetings on each "Wednes- 
day, and on other days whenever convened by the Chairman in con- 
nection with two members. Up to and including the 8th inst. the 
number of meetings held by the Executive Committee was seventy- 
three, of which thirty-five were evening meetings, held at the Fifth 
Avenue Hotel. These have been discontinued since the 28th of 
May. The total number of meetings to date is seventy-eight. 

The duties confided to the Union Defence Committee, tliough 
not very clearly defined in the terms of the resolutions adopted at 
the Meeting of Citizens, were understood to have special reference 
to providing means for creating and sustaining a military force, to 
be used in the public service of the country. 

Early in the progress of their labors the Union Defence Com- 
mittee appointed a subordinate body, which has been known as the 
Executive Committee, to whose hands the details of the business 
have been mainly confided, and upon whom must naturally rest a 
large portion of the responsibility incurred in the discharge of 
duties alike important, multifarious and burdensome. This fact 
may perhaps justify the Executive Committee in entering at some 
length upon a statement of the course and progress of their labors. 

In tracing the transactions of the Committee it is necessary to 
recur for a moment to the condition of the country, when the citizens 
of New York felt themselves called upon to take part in instituting 
measures of public safety. 

The national authorities had made an earnest appeal to the loyal 
feelings of the people for aid in defending the Constitution and ex- 
ecuting the laws. The response of the City and State of N'ew York 
was prompt and effectual. Money was freely contributed, as Avell 
from private as from public sources ; citizen soldiers and masses of 



116 

the people engaged in the ordinary occupations of civil life sprang 
to arms, as if every man's home was endangered ; and the hearts and 
hands of female henevolence, inspired and actuated by motives of 
patriotism, were instantly occupied in preparations to soften the 
hardships of camp life and to mitigate the sufferings of the hospital. 

In the midst of such an unusual outburst of public sentiment 
the labors of the Committee commenced, and have been assiduously 
continued. There was one great need apparent to every mind that 
considered the emergency, which was the necessity of placing an 
effective military force at the National Capital in the shortest possi- 
ble time. That this necessity was fully appreciated and promptly 
met, as Avell by New York as by other loyal States, the public 
annals Avill show. Massachusetts may justly claim the merit of 
having placed the first regiment of citizen defenders of the Con- 
stitution in the field, but her patriotic soldiers were soon followed 
and speedily outnumbered by those of New York. The 7th Regi- 
ment, commanded by Colonel Marshall Lefferts, so long the pride 
of the city of New York, abandoned the ties of home and business, 
and with an alacrity that has scarcely a parallel in military history, 
marched its thousand disciplined men steadily to the capital, where 
it performed efficiently and faithfully all its duties, and whence it 
has returned, at the close of its full term of service, distinguished 
by the grateful commendation of the President and the Command- 
ing General of the Army. A detachment of 200 men of the reserve 
of this regiment, led by Captain E. L. Viele, was the first military 
body which opened the passage and passed to the city of Washing- 
ton by the Potomac River. Much credit was justly accorded to 
that officer, for the skill, spirit and perseverance evinced by him on 
the occasion referred to. 

Following the Seventh were the regiments of State Militia, 
aided and encouraged by the contributions of the citizens, and 
stimulated by the exertions of the Committee. The 71st, led by the 
gallant and lamented Vosburgh ; the 6th, 13th, 8th, 69th and 5th, 
were speedily in the field, and Avere followed at short intervals by the 
3d, 9th and 79th. These corps are a portion of the standing quota 
of the State Militia. AVith these, also, went forward from our 
neighboring city of Brooklyn the 13th, 38th and 14th, comprising 
a well-equipped and eflBcient body of three thousand citizen soldiers, 
led by accomplished and skillful officers. 

Thirteen regiments of the State Militia have thus passed into 
the public service under the auspices of the Committee, and they 
confidently trust and believe that loyal gallantry will be the dis- 



117 

tinguishing characteristics of these soldiers while bearing the 
National flag. 

From Ulster the 20th Eegiment of Militia, commanded by a New 
York merchant, was also greatly commended for its discipline and 
efficiency while encamped in this city, preparatory to its departure 
for the South. 

But the exigency in which the country found itself, at the out- 
break of the Rebellion, rendered it an indispensable duty on tlie part 
of the President to summon volunteer soldiers to tbe field. The 
quota of the State of New York was fixed at thirty-eight regiments; 
to this number others were added as a special act of courtesy to this 
Committee, on the part of the President and the War Department. 
The total number of volunteer regiments, including the 25th, carries 
up the quota of the State of New York to the noble aggregate of 
fifty-six regiments, or about fifty thousand men. 

In glancing over the list of these hastily organized defenders of 
liberty and public law, the attention of the Committee will doubtless 
be attracted to the various corps, which from time to time have 
excited an interest more or less deep iu the community on their 
departure from the city. To none will this interest attach more 
closely than to the effective body of men, composed of a selection 
from the Fire Department of New York, led by a young and gallant 
officer, who has already redeemed with his life the obligations of 
duty and patriotism which he owed to his country. Tlie name of 
Elmer E. Ellsworth Avill be remembered, his chivalrous bearing as 
a soldier admired and honored, and his premature death at the 
hands of an assassin deplored, whenever the writer of our history 
shall depict the events of the contest in which we are engaged. 

Another high-spirited and accomplished ofiicer, the commander 
of the second Militia Regiment which entered tlie field. Colonel 
Abraham Vosburgh of the 71st, is also numbered with the dead. 
Highly esteemed as a citizen, conspicuous for his military capacity 
and his earnest devotion to the service he had chosen, the city, whose 
local annals his patriotic conduct has illustrated, will not suffer his 
self-sacrificing example to pass without a fitting record of his merit. 

For the information of the Committee a table has been prepared, 
giving the number or title of each of the regiments forming the 
quota of the State of New York, the name of its commanding 
officer, and its location at the present time, either in the field or 
in cantonment, so far as can be accurately ascertained. This table 
will appear in the appendix to the Report. 

Of the fifty-six regiments actually accepted for service by the 



118 

proper authorities of the State or National Government, the aid of 
the city and citizens of New York,liave up to the present time been 
extended througli this Committee to thirty-six regiments, and en- 
gagements have been made in regard to others. The names or 
numbers of these regiments, together with the amount of appropri- 
ation to each, will form the subject of a further report, as early as 
it can be completed. The time has not arrived for ascertaining 
with certainty whether the means thus appropriated in aid of regi- 
ments have always been wisely applied. That they have been 
applied with an earnest desire to accomplish the best results, to in- 
sure the greatest amount of public usefulness, and to furnish the aid 
required by the Government with the least possible waste of time, 
the Committee can venture to assert with a confident reliance on the 
correctness of the statement. That no instance of want of fidelity 
on the part of those in whom they have been compelled by circum- 
stances to repose trust and confidence has come to the knowledge 
of the Committee, or has been matter of suspicion to them, is a 
source of unalloyed and most grateful satisfaction. 

In the outfit and equipment of the numerous regiments which 
have occupied the attention of the Committee and shared in the 
bounty of the citizens, it was not to be expected that anything like 
an equality of expenditure for each could be obtained. In some 
cases the regiments, when brought to the notice of the Committee, 
were far advanced in their preparation for service ; in others no 
progress had been made ; while in a few instances private contribu- 
tions to a considerable amount had preceded those of the Commit- 
tee. In all cases brought to their notice, the one great object was 
kept steadily in view — that of placing the required force in the 
field for action at the earliest moment compatible with a due prep- 
aration for effective service. That service has been commenced — 
active operations in the field have already become matters of record, 
and it cannot but be a subject of grateful reflection to our people that 
no portion of the army has performed its duties more effectually, 
or stands higher in the judgment of the public authorities, than 
that which the State of New York has sent forth, as the evidence of 
her fidelity to the Constitution and her devotion to the Union. 

Fifty thousand soldiers have been freely contributed by the 
State of New York from its masses of loyal and faithful citizens 
to the public service of the country in a time of war. These 
thousands have passed into the great aggregate of the national 
forces, in every instance, as detached regiments. Upon their 
arrival at the various scenes of action, or while awaiting the 



119 

proper orders for entering on active duty, they have been mustered 
and brigaded under officers of the United States Government. One 
general officer of the State Militia, Major-General Sandford, has fol- 
lowed that portion of his command detailed for service, into the 
field; and his commission has been recognized, and he is now on 
duty at the national capital. The Committee have recently learned, 
with much satisfaction, that a General Officer, commanding a divi- 
sion of Volunteers, Major-General Dix, has been called into service 
from this State, to whom an important command has been confided. 
These are the only General Officers thus far placed in the field 
from the Sate of New York. 

The Committee are rapidly approaching the termination of the 
labors they had marked out as essential to be accomplished. The last 
three of the regiments accepted under the authority of the President, 
by the order of 15th May last, namely the De Kalb, Mozart, and 
Tammany, are fully equipped, and will speedily be in readiness to 
receive the arms provided by the Government to render them effec- 
tive for service. When these regiments shall be placed in the 
field, the Union Defence Committee will have largely assisted in 
adding thirty-five regiments of citizen soldiers to the army of the 
nation, and will thus have performed the principal portion of the 
duty it had undertaken as the accredited representatives of the 
citizens of New York. 

There is, however, another and none the less important service 
which is to be prosecuted to its proper completion by the Union De- 
fence Committee : this is comprised in that branch of their duties 
which relates to the Eelief of the Families of Soldiers. Of the 
large appropriation made by the city authorities a portion was set 
apart for this object, and relief has already been extended to many 
thousands of wives, children and parents of soldiers now in the 
field, at an expenditure of more than two hundred thousand dollars. 

This onerous duty has been thus far performed under the direc- 
tion of a Select Committee of this body, in conjunction with delegates 
from the two boards of the Common Council for each "Ward of the 
city. That the relief was greatly needed and has been gratefully re- 
ceived, each day's recurring crowd of applicants furnishes abundant 
testimony ; and there can be no question that the duty has been 
performed with efficiency, impartiality and fidelity. 

The Committee have already indicated their opinion that this 
action must speedily cease, the condition of the Fund made applica- 
ble to this purpose being nearly exhausted ; but the Committee 
cannot avoid expressing the belief that this work of benevolence. 



120 

instituted by the City Government, will be regarded as a crowning 
merit in their patriotic action in support of the national authority. 

There is another duty Avhich the Executive Committee feel it 
incumbent on them to bring to the notice of the Union Defence 
Committee : The authorities of the State of New York and of the 
United States are by existing laws, under certain circumstances, 
bound to provide clothing, sustenance and other necessaries for 
militia and volunteer soldiers mustered into the public service. In 
many of the cases of regiments aided by the Committee, tlie force 
of the emergency did not admit of the delay necessary to obtain these 
essential supplies from the authorities mentioned; advances were 
constantly made in many instances, and supplies furnished to enable 
the regiments to go speedily forward. The obligation resting upon 
the public authorities is in no sense invalidated by this action on 
the part of tlie Committee, and it is evidently an imperative duty 
on them to present and urge at the proper time and place the reim- 
bursement of all sucli advances made to regiments organized or in 
process of organization. 

In reference to this subject, and in conclusion of their Report, 
the Executive Committee submit the folloAving resolution: 
\^ Resolved, That it is expedient to adopt proper measures to 

bring before the authorities of the State of New York and of the 
United States, at the earliest period practicable, claims for reim- 
bursement of moneys expended by this Committee in the equip- 
ment and outfit of regiments organized under the call of the Presi- 
dent of the United States. 

And recommend its adoption by the Union Defence Commit- 
tee. 

Eespectfully submitted by order of the Executive Committee. 
Signed, S. Draper, 

Chairman Ex. Com. 
P. M. Wetmore, 

Secretary Ex. Com. 

Appendix to Eepoet of June 29, 18G1. 

Talle of Regiments assisted by Union Defence Committee. 

jST. Y. State Militia — Fourteen Eegiments, viz. : 

2d liegt., Col. Tompkins, 8th Regt., Col. Lyons, 

5th " " Schwarzwelder, 9th " " Stiles, 

6th '' " Pinckney, 13th " " Butterfield, 

7th '' "■ Leiferts, 13th " " Smith, 



121 



14th Regt., Col. Wood, G9th Regfc., Col. Corcoran, 

28th " " Bennett, 71st " '•' Martin, 

(late Vosbnrgh), 
55th " " Le Gal, 79th " Col. Cameron. 

N. Y. State Volunteers — Twenty-two Eegiments, viz. : 

1st Eegt., Col. Allen, 15th Regt., Col. Murphy, 

4th " " Taylor, 17th " '' Lansing, 

5th '• " Dnryee, 20th " '<■ Weber, 

6th " " Wilson, 25th " '' Kerrigan, 

7th " " Bendix, 31st " " Pratt, 

8th " " Blenker, 32d " " Mathesson, 

9th " '* Hawkins, 36 th " '' Innis, 

10th " " McChesney, 37th " « McCunn, 

11th " '' Farnham, 38th " " Ward, 
(late Ellsworth) 

Garibaldi Guard, Col. d'Utassy, Mozart Guard, Col. Eiley, 

De Kalb " " von Gilsa, Tammany " *•' Kennedy. 

State of New York Troops in the Field. 

Volunteers 38 Eegiments. 

Committee 4 '' 

Militia 14 " 

Total 56 '' 



Thikd Eeport of Executive Committee 

Report of the Executive Committee 

Union Defence Committee of the Citizens of New York, 

New York, Aug. 21, 1861. 

At a meeting held this day, the following report Avas received, 
adopted and ordered to be transmitted to the Common Council. 

The Executive Committee, referring to their previous reports to 
the Union Defence Committee under date severally of the 20th 
May and 29th June, now submit a detailed Eeport of Expenditures 
in connection with the Fund created by the City Government from 
the proceeds of one million dollars of Corporation Bonds, viz.: 

First. Abstract of Expenditures in Aid to Eegiments of State 
Militia. 

Second. Detailed account of Expenditures in aid of Eegiments 
of Volunteers. 



122 

Third. Abstract of expenditures in aid of organizations not com- 
pleted. 

Fourtli. Statement of the appropriation made for purchase of 
arms, etc., and to the Fund for relief of families of soldiers. 

These statements comprise all the drafts made on the City Fund 
up to the 31st July, amounting in the aggregate to the following : 

Aid to twenty-six regiments of volunteers. . . $340,846.23 

Aid to ten regiments of militia 157,336.97 

Aid to incomplete organizations, etc 24,947.77 

Purchase of arms, ammunition, baggage- 
wagons and ambulances 226,589.27 

$758,720.24 
Appropriation to relief of families 230,000 

Total amount of drafts $983,720.24 

Leaving a balance in the hands of the Comp- 
troller on 31st of July of 111,279.76 

The thirtj^-six regiments, above referred to, do not include the 
7th, 13th, 14th and 28th regiments of militia, all of Avhich were 
aided to a moderate extent from the private fund of the citizens of 
New York. 

Some explanation may be necessary to a right understanding of 
the items contained in the table of expenditures. 

It will be observed that in regard to four of the regiments, the 
appropriations to each far exceed those in all other cases. 

The following are the figures : 

Mozart Eegiment 167,099.83 

Garibaldi Guard $47,517.56 

From the private fund 6,336.00 53,853.56 

Tammany Eegiment (Jackson Guard). 47,146.65 
De Kalb Eegiment 43,891.50 

Total $211,991.54 

Average cost $52,997.88 

These were the only regiments of which the entire cost was de- 
frayed by the Union Defence Committee. Every article of clothing 



123 

and equipment for these regiments was furnished by the Committee, 
together with rations for almost a thousand men each for an average 
period of two months. 

In every other case save these, the regiments assisted by the 
Committee received aid from private sources or from the authorities 
of the State of New York. In the latter class of volunteers are 
embraced eighteen regiments of the State quota; and in the former, 
ten regiments of the State Militia, each of which was organized and 
in part equipped when called into service. 

A detailed statement of expenditures from the Citizens' Fund 
is in course of preparation, and will be submitted to the Union De- 
fence Committee whenever an order to that effect shall be made. 
The results in regard to this fund vary constantly, and the items 
of expenditure, when embraced in a detailed report will increase 
somewhat the amounts appropriated to several of the regiments 
which first occupied the attention of the Committee. 

The total number of regiments and incomplete organizations 
assisted by the Committee is as follows: 

New York State Militia Ecgiments 14 

New York State Volunteer Regiments 18 

New York City Volunteer Regiments 8 

Incomplete organizations 10 

Total 50 Regiments. 

Of this number forty regiments of militia and volunteers have 
been received into the service of the United States, and many of 
them have shared in the labors and perils of the recent campaigns 
in Virginia and elsewhere. 

It is, perhaps, not too much to say, in reference to these troops, 
that most of them have acquitted tliemselves, in the preparatory 
duties of the camp, and upon the field of battle, in a manner 
creditable to the City, tlie State, and themselves. 

It is the purpose of the Executive Committee, at a fitting time, 
to submit a more full detail of the character, conduct, and services 
of the several regiments Avliich entered the Army of the United 
States under the auspices of this Committee, together with state- 
ments of their respective losses in battle, Avhether by death, wounds, 
or capture, their condition and location in the service. The Com- 
mittee cannot realize that every duty has been performed by 
simply placing citizen soldiers in the field for active service during 



124 

war ; they feel that a responsibility rests upon the City and State to 
keep watch over the welfare of those who have volunteered for the 
public defence, and to extend to them all needful care and pro- 
tection. 

Soon after tlic commencement of their duties, the Committee 
(saw the pressing necessity of securing an adequate supply of arms 
and munitions of war, then becoming very scarce and constantly 
rising in value, which would certainly be reqnii-ed for the outfit of 
the local organizations, and might become a resource for the Gov- 
ernment in any sudden emergency. 

That this course was wise and judicious, the Committee have re- 
ceived abundant evidence in the progress of their labors. Arms 
have been issued from time to time to various regiments for pui"- 
poses of drill and guard, and in several instances regiments have 
borne them temporarily to the seat of war, whence in most cases 
they have been returned to the storehouse of the Committee, and a 
portion of them have since been disposed of to the Quarter-master's 
department of the United States Army. 

In connection with this subject, it may be remarked that the 
occasions have not been infrequent, when the Committee have had 
the gratification of furnishing to the Government articles of indis- 
pensable necessity to the public service. One of their earliest acts 
was to charter a steamer, by the aid of which ammunition and 
provisions were supplied to the garrison at Fortress Monroe, and to 
the army at Annapolis, Maryland, at a most critical emergency, 
when communication with the Capital was interrupted. The 
steamer Quaker City was also chartered temporarily for service 
between this city and Southern ports occupied by Union forces. 
This vessel was fully armed and supplied with provisions by the 
Committee, and during the continuance of the charter performed 
efficient and valuable service; under a new engagement made with 
the Government she is now one of the blockading force on the 
Southern coast. 

In aiding regiments to lake the field effectively, the Committee 
have supplied cannon Avith ammunition, in cases where it seemed 
to them proper to do so, and they refer to the following instances: 

To the Seventh Regiment, Militia, Colonel Leflferts, two field 
cannon, which, on the return of the Seventh, were transferred to 
the Ninth Militia, Colonel Stiles, now in the column of General 
Banks. 

To the Fifth Eegiment, Volunteers, Colonel Duryee, four field 
cannon, now at Baltimore, Md. 



125 

To the Soconcl Regiment, Militia, Colonel Tompkins, two field 
cannon, now in Virginia. 

To tlie Mozart Regiment, Volunteers, Colonel Riley, two field 
cannon, now in Washington. 

In each of the above cases a full supply of ammunition, includ- 
ing shot and sliell, was issued. 

Ammunition has also been furnished in several instances to 
regiments from otlier Spates in transit toward the seat of war. In 
a few instances separate companies have been aided with arms 
and equipments, but the rule to confine assistance to regiments has 
rarely been departed from. 

One source of expenditure has been fully justified and more 
than repaid in the benefits conferred on sick and wounded soldiers. 
The first ambulances which reached the seat of Avar were pro- 
vided by the Union Defence Committee, and their use has been 
freely granted from time to time to numerous regiments from other 
States which were unprovided with this essential aid to an army in 
the field. 

These facts arc alluded to simply to show that the duties as- 
sumed by the Committee have covered a wide range, and have not 
been ineffectual in carrying out the wishes of the citizens of New 
York, expressed in the resolution creating the Committee, namely, 
"to aid the movements of the Government as the public interests 
may require." 

Accounts are still open with the Government in several of its 
departments, and when the sums expended in the purchase of arms, 
munitions of war, wagons, etc., are reimbursed, the result will be 
fully stated in a subsequent Report. 

The Committee cannot close this Report without an expression 
of their high gratification at the spirited conduct and gallant 
bearing shown by one of their number at the recent conflict in 
Virginia. Having declined the commission of Major-General 
tendered to him by the Executive of this State, which did not 
confer an active command in the field, Mr. Wads worth volun- 
teered his services on the staff of the commanding general im- 
mediately before the battle. The bravery and efficiency of Major 
Wadsworth have been Avarmly commended and gracefully recognized 
by the Government in the appointment of Brigadier-General of 
Volunteers. 

Respectfully submitted by order of the Executive Committee. 
[Signed] S. Draper, Cliairman, 

P. M. Wetmore, Secretary. 



l^ 



126 

Fourth Report of Executive Committee 

New York, April ZQth, 1862. 
At a meeting of the Executive Committee, held on tlie 2d in- 
stant, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted, namely : 

1. Resolved, That the final report of expenditures from the 
**'City Fund," with a detailed statement of the amount advauced to 
each regiment, be prepared for transmission by the Union Defence 
Committee to the Mayor and Common Council, together with copies 
of correspondence Avith the State and United States Governments, 
in relation to the claims for reimbursements and such other por- 
tions of the Committee's proceedings as are of public interest. 

2. Resolved, That a detailed statement be prepared without delay 
of the subscriptions to the private fund, and of the expenditures 
therefrom, showing what class of items can be embraced in claims 
for reimbursement. 

In accordance with the resolutions set forth, the Executive 
Committee have now to submit to the consideration of the Union 
Defence Committee, and for transmission to his Honor the Mayor 
and the Common Council, should such action be deemed advisable, 
the following report of transactions since the last communication 
to the city government ; and also a brief review of the operations 
of the Union Defence Committee from the commencement of their 
official duties. 

With the view to preserve an unbroken record of these opera- 
tions, the Executive Committee deem it proper to refer to their 
previous reports, bearing date respectively, the 20th of May, the 29th 
of June, the 21st of August, 18G1 ; and also to the tables and state- 
ments accompanying the same, all of which were transmitted by the 
Union Defence Committee to the city authorities and made public. 

The transactions under review have been mainly confined to the 
organization, outfit and equipment of volunteers from the city and 
State of New York, under the call of tlie President of the United 
States, and for a brief period to the duty of relieving the families 
of Volunteer soldiers in the field. 

The funds placed at the disposal of the Union Defence Com- 
mittee were dei-ived from the following sources, namely : 

First. A fund created by the corporation of the city of New 
York, founded on an issue of city bonds, authorized by ordinance 
of 2otli April, 18G1, amounting to one million dollars, bearing 
interest at six per cent, per annum, and redeemable on or before the 
first day of May, 18G2. (This period has been extended by act of the 
Legislature, passed session 1862, until the 1st of November, 1864.) 



127 

^ Second. Private contributions from citizens of New York, col- 
lected under authority granted in the first instance by the Chamber 
of Commerce, at a meeting held on the 19th of April, 18G1, and 
subsequently by a mass meeting of citizens held on the 20th of the 
same month. 

^/ In addition to the above, a special deposit of funds, amounting 

to one hundred and sixty-four thousand nine hundred and seventy- 
one dollars and ninety-eight cents, was made with the Committee, 
for special purposes, by Commissioners of the United States Treas- 
ury. This account was closed many months since, the money 
having been })aid over on the order of the Commissioners, to whom 
a balance sheet was rendered. 
i^ As the Committee had only a temporary custody of these funds, 

Avithout power or discretion as to their apj)ropriation or expendi- 
ture, and never mixed them with the moneys subject to their dis- 
posal, they deem it unnecessary to present any further statement 
with regard to them, beyond the simple reference to the fact that 
such deposit was made and has been repaid. 

i^ Under the second head — that of the subscription by private citi- 

zens — the receipts, expenditures and condition of the fund will 
form the subject of a special report, now in course of preparation, 
addressed to the Union Defence Committee for the information of 
those by whom the fund was created. 
^ The principal items of expenditure under the first head were 

submitted to the Union Defence Committee, and laid before the 
Mayor and Common Council, in the report of the 31st of August 
last. The condensed table of expenditure from this fund, trans- 
mitted herewith, presents a recapitulation of the items above referred 
to, and includes also the subsequent and final appropriations from 
the same fund. That source of the means placed under the control 
of the Committee was exhausted on the 24th of October last. Since 
that date a sum amounting to one hundred and seven thousand and 
eight dollars and seventy-five cents, has been reimbursed to the 
fund, and the balance sheet to date stands as follows : 

City Fukd 
Dr. 

1861. 
May 1. Union Defence Fund, in bonds, issued by 

city of New York $1,000,000 00 



$1,000,000 00 



128 

Expenditure Account 

Dr. 

Proceeds of city bonds to Comptroller. 11,000,000 00 

Less appropriation for relief to families of volun- 
teers 230,350 00 

Balance to Union Defence Fund $769,650 00 

1862. 
May 10. To balance account $662,414 56 



City Fund 
Balance May 10th, 1862. Cr. 

1861. 
June 30. Total expenditures in aid of families of 

volunteers $230,350 00 

October 25. Total expenditures in aid 

to regiments of volunteers $771,245 31 

Less amount received for munitions of 

war transferred to 'New Jersey and 

other parties, paid for by them 1,822 00 



),423 31 
Balance unexpended in city treasury 226 69 

$1,000,000 00 

Expenditure Account 

Reimbursement for sale of arms, etc., to 

United States $66,793 25 

Eeimbursement for sale of arms, etc., to 

United States 40,215 50 

$107,008 75 

Balance in city treasury 226 69 

Balance of expenditure in aid of regiments. . . 662,414 56 



$769,650 00 
Reimbursement accounts unsettled, viz.: 



129 

Claims for advances in aid to regiments of volunteers. 

" for arms, ammunition, etc. 

" for outfit of steamer Quaker City against Navy Department. 
Cost of property on hand, consisting of arms, munitions of war, 
etc., etc. 

With this general reference to the finances of the Union De- 
fence Committee, the further purpose of this report is to convey 
the requisite information to enable that body, in their next com- 
munication to the city government, to present such facts and sug- 
gestions as may seem to be called for by obligations of duty and a 
just sense of the confidence reposed in them. 

The duties of the Union Defence Committee were commenced at a 
time when all regular communication with the national capital had 
ceased of necessity — rail tracks and telegraph lines no longer per- 
formed their functions ; and for many days dispatches between the 
departments at Washington and the officers of the Government 
on this station were borne by private dispatch agents of this Com- 
mittee. 

In this critical condition of public affairs the Committee did not 
hesitate to adopt and endeavor to carry into effective operation 
every measure which seemed to be called for by a proper sense of 
the exigencies of the country. Their authority was derived from 
the proceedings of a mass meeting of citizens, which conferred 
the power to collect funds, and to transact *^ such other business 
in aid of the movements of the Government as the public inter- 
est might require." 

The first steps taken by the Committee were to facilitate the 
equipment and outfit of regiments of volunteer militia and their 
dispatch to the seat of Government for the protection of the capital. 

The President's call for volunteers was issued on the loth 
April, 1861. The organization of the Committee was perfected on 
the 20th — one week from the fall of Fort Sumter. The Seventh 
New York Eegiment, Colonel Lefferts, left the city on the 19th, on 
its way to Washington. On Sunday, the 21st of that month, the 
Sixth Eegiment, Colonel Pinckney, the Twelfth, Colonel Butter- 
field, and the Seventy-first, Colonel Vosburgh, followed for the 
same destination. Before the close of the month of April, the fol- 
lowing regiments had also taken up^ their line of march : the 
Eighth, Colonel Lyons ; the Thirteenth, Colonel Smith, from 
Brooklyn ; the Fifth, Colonel Schwartzwelder ; the Sixty-ninth, Colo- 
nel Corcoran ; the Twenty-fifth, Colonel Bryan, from Albany ; and 
9 



130 

the Twenty-eighth, Colonel Bennett, from Brooklyn, These regi- 
ments, comprising an effective force of over eight thousand men, 
well equipped and fully armed, were thrown into the field under 
brave and skillful officers, within twelve days from the date of the 
appeal made to the patriotism of the country for the defence of 
the Union. It can scarcely be deemed presumptuous to state that 
without the active aid of the Committee, such celerity in forwarding 
troops for the defence of the capital could not have been attained. 
A more general reference will be made in the course of this report 
to the extent of the assistance rendered to the numerous military 
organizations, which made up the vast army contributed by the 
State of New York to the Union cause. 

Communications were speedily opened with the commanding 
officers of the army and navy on this station, and their advice was 
followed in every movement Avhich seemed best adapted to secure 
prompt and efficient action. 

It would be but a simple act of justice for the Committee to re- 
cord their sense of the valuable services rendered to them in the 
cordial co-operation of Commodores Breese and Stringham, of the 
navy, and Major-General Wool, of the army. To the former, the 
Committee were indebted for advice and information in regard to 
important measures, looking to the preservation of the national in- 
terests on the Atlantic coast ; and to the latter, for the benefit of 
his great experience and judicious counsel in the measures necessary 
for giving protection and subsistence to the numerous regiments of 
Yolunteer troops organized in haste, and thrown suddenly into sec- 
tions of the country held by armed insurgents. 

A due acknowledgment of the valuable assistance given to the 
Committee by General Wool, could not well be brought within the 
reasonable compass of a report ; but the Committee will doubtless 
remember that in several previous instances they have expressed to 
that officer their sense of his services to the country and their grate- 
ful appreciation of his uniform courtesy and kindness. 

The Quaker City, a superior sea-going steamer, was chartered 
by the Committee on the 25th of April. A sufficient armament was 
placed on board, and provision made for all requisite supplies for a 
cruise on the Atlantic coast, and for the support of the public 
works held by the Union forces on the Chesapeake Bay. Of the 
importance of the eff'ort thus made to give efficiency to the blockade 
of Southern ports, the following letter from Flag-officer S. H. 
Stringham, an efficient and able officer of the United States navy, in 
command on the Southern sea-coast, furnishes abundant evidence: 



131 

TI. S. S. Minnesota, 
Hampton Roads, May nth, 1861. 

Chairman Union Defence Committee, New York City: 

Sir: I have sent to New York a number of vessels taken here 
for violating the blockade, which has been strictly enforced, and 
will continue to be as far as I am able. 

Knowing the great interest you take in all the efforts which are 
now being made to suppress the rebellion, I venture to mention the 
facts of the captures. As already ordered to New York, they are 
ships Argo and North Carolina, schooners Crenshaiv and Hexall 
(both of these owned by Mr. Currie of Richmond, a violent seces- 
sionist, and with secession State clearance), and bark Octavia, also 
owned by same owner and with same clearance, four laden with 
tobacco, one in ballast. 

I hope you will aid us in carrying into effect the laws against 
these, its violators. All I can do in the furtherance of the block- 
ade, ordered to be established along the coast of the rebellious States, 
you may rely shall be done. 

Trusting to the co-operation and approbation of all loyal citi- 
zens, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

S. H. Strhstgham, 
Senior Flag Officer, Blockade Squadron. 

The following list comprises the captures made by the Quaker 
City while engaged under charter: 

May 14 — Ship North Carolina. 

" 25 — Bark Pioneer, from Liverpool. 

" 25 — Bark Wiiiifred, from Rio, with coffee. 

" 30 — Schooner Lynchburg, from Rio. 
June 4 — Bark General Green, from Cuba. 

" 26— Bark Sallie Mager, from Rio. 
July 1 — Schooner Sallie Means, from Trinidad. 
" 10 — Brig Amy Warwick, from Rio. 

While these pages are undergoing revision, advices are received 
that the Amy Warivick has been condemned by the Admiralty 
Prize Court in Boston, Mass., and both vessel and cargo sold, the 
net proceeds being about one hundred and thirty thousand dollars. 

The Quaker City was subsequently purchased by the Govern- 
ment, taken into the service, and is now a national vessel of war. 

The Committee are not aware that the log of any one national 
vessel of the blockading squadron can show a record of more 



132 

efficient services rendered than that of the Quaker City. It is to be 
regretted that the Committee are not permitted to embrace in their 
report any official acknowledgment of the gallantry and persevering 
devotion to duty shown by the officers of the Quaher City, or to 
communicate information which would be interesting to the city 
government. The cost of the outfit and armament placed on 
board that vessel, under the superintendence of officers of the navy, 
has not yet been reimbursed by the proper department of the Gov- 
ernment. 

The amount necessary for such reimbursement will be but an 
inconsiderable proportion of the prize money to be awarded from 
the captures made by the vessel thus supplied by the Committee. 
The Executive Committee have not advanced any claim to a share 
in these prize moneys. This question is left to the decision of the 
Union Defence Committee. 

It will be remembered that on the 19th of April the Sixth Mas- 
sachusetts Regiment, in its passage through the streets of Baltimore, 
was attacked by armed rebels, and several lives taken. The Xew 
York Seventh was joined by a regiment from Massachusetts near 
the railroad junction, and the two marched together to the capital, 
and thereby gave assurance of its safety, on the 26th of tliat 
month. 

Immediately after the attack in Baltimore, the railroad track 
was taken up, and the bridges over the neighboring waters de- 
stroyed. On the 23d of April arrangements were perfected for ob- 
taining materials and laborers to relay the iron rails on the road 
connecting Baltimore with the Susquehanna. 

The steamer Kill-von-Kull was chartered, and supplied with 
provisions and other means, to aid in this essential duty. On the 
9th of May, railroad communication was re-opened north of Balti- 
more, and shortly after, by the active agency of volunteer soldiers, 
the line was rendered effective to the seat of government. 

The Committee having been informed on the 25th of April that 
a deficiency of provisions and ammunition had been reported from 
Fort Monroe, and that urgent necessity existed for a supply of both, 
immediate measures were adopted to charter the ocean steamer 
Kedar, for the purpose of supplying that fortress and the neigh- 
boring army stations. The Kedar was loaded, armed, and left for 
Hampton Roads on the 27th, carrying, in addition to the greatly 
needed supplies, the Fifth Regiment of New York Volunteer Mili- 
tia, commanded by Colonel Schwarz welder. In forty-eight hours 
the fortress was supplied with provisions and ammunition, and 



133 

reinforced with troops, and its capture by an unscrupulous and en- 
terprising enemy prevented. 

These brief allusions to what was regarded as an important 
part of their duties will not be deemed out of place in an official re- 
port of the transactions in which the Committee have been engaged. 

The topic now to be discussed embraces the more extended 
operations which have passed under the guidance of the Union 
Defence Committee, and to which they have given the larger portion 
of time and attention called for in the discharge of their official 
duties. 

The first call of the President for volunteers restricted the 
number to seventy-five thousand men. Of this force the quota of 
the State of New York was fixed at seventeen regiments of seven 
hundred and eighty men each. Between the outbreak of the insur- 
rection and the 7th of May, eleven regiments had proceeded to 
Washington. Of these eight had been materially aided by the Com- 
mittee. These regiments were enlisted for short terms of service, 
and all were mustered out at the expiration of three months. 

Before this period the rebellion had begun to assume more 
fearful proportions, and under the Act of Congress of July, the 
President had been authorized to accept the services of five hundred 
thousand volunteers. 

At the end of July, the quota of the State of New York had 
reached the large number of forty-six regiments, to twenty-six of 
which the Committee had extended aid from the means placed at 
their disposal. 

Finally, with the temporary growth of the power contending 
for the destruction of the Union, arose the necessity for greater 
efforts on the part of the citizens of loyal States for its protection. 
New York, at the close of the year 1861, had increased her quota, 
including the three months' volunteers, to the aggregate of ninety- 
nine regiments of infantry, ten of cavalry, two of artillery, one of 
engineers ; one battalion of cavalry, two of artillery, one rocket 
battalion, and nine batteries of artillery, making a total of one 
hundred and tAventy-five separate organizations, embracing one 
hundred and tAventy thousand three hundred and sixteen volunteer 
soldiers. 

Of this large, well-equipped and efficient army, bearing, in con- 
nection with the National flag, the banner of the State of New York, 
the Union Defence Committee have assisted in a greater or less 
degree to place in the field sixty-six regiments. 

Earlv in the movements of the war, the Committee were brought 



13i 

into active co-operation with the authorities of the State, and they 
cannot, without a disregard of duty, refrain from expressing their 
sense of the ability and fidelity with which the loyal feelings of 
the people of New York have been combined and rendered effective 
for the maintenance of the Constitution and the Union. 

The labors of the Committee have for some months been inter- 
mitted, in the belief that the rebellion was fast approaching its 
inevitable termination. Passing from the more active duty of 
sustaining the Government in an extreme emergency, the Committee 
find themselves in the discharge of another obligation equally bind- 
ing upon them, and scarcely less arduous in the performance, that 
of presenting and urging the claim of the city of New York for 
reimbursement of the large sums advanced for the outfit and equip- 
ment of volunteers. 

The corporation of the City of New York, on the 25th of April, 
1861, enacted an ordinance creating a fund of one million dollars 
to be placed under the control of the Union Defence Committee, to 
be applied to two objects — namely, the outfit and equipment of 
volunteers, and for the aid or support of the families of soldiers in 
the field. This ordinance contained a clause pledging the reim- 
bursement for advances from the fund, to the redemption of the 
bonds issued to create it. 

The means thus derived have been applied strictly to the objects 
indicated in the ordinance, and on the 2oth of October last were 
exhausted. 

To the last-named purpose, the sum of two hundred and thirty 
thousand three hundred and fifty dollars was approj)riated and paid. 
The Committee have not believed that any claim could justly be 
urged for the reimbursement of this expenditure by the General 
Government ; but there are reasonable grounds for the opinion 
that an obligation rests upon the State to make good, at least in 
part, this advance from the city treasury. A large portion of the 
State quota was recruited in the city of New York. Enlistments 
were greatly stimulated by the knowledge that a fund had been 
provided to supply the wants of families which had lost temporarily 
their natural protectors. No other municipality, it is believed, 
unless it be the city of Brooklyn, has, to any considerable extent, 
shoAvn a like munificent spirit in giving effect to the prevalent zeal 
in behalf of the movements to sustain the Government. 

It may well be considered, therefore, whether the legislative 
authority of the State should not take a reasonable share of this 
heavy burden from the treasury of the city 



135 

Upon the other branch of the subject, the advances made to 
regiments from the city fund, no possible doubt can rest. The 
chiim of the city to reimbursement for all advances coming within 
the army regulations, for the "collecting, organizing, and drilling 
volunteers," is undeniably just and legal, and the immediate repay- 
ment should be urged with diligence and energy. 

The Union Defence Committee, under the advice, and acting in 
concert with, the authorities of the city, have submitted to the "War 
Department a demand for reimbursement, and have placed before 
the Secretary of that Department tlie grounds upon which the claim 
is urged. No satisfactory reply has yet been received, nor any 
sufficient reason assigned for the delay which has occurred in 
responding to the demand. 
^ The city must be reimbursed for its advances. Public faith 

and public policy alike forbid that the reliance of the muni- 
cipal authorities upon the sense of justice of the national Govern- 
ment should be disappointed. The delay which has already taken 
place in reference to this question has compelled the Comptroller 
to ask from the Legislature authority to postpone the redemption of 
the bonds which fell due on the 1st of May. Before granting this 
authority, a committee of the House of Assembly made certain in- 
quiries in regard to the expenditures from the fund. A communi- 
cation in reply was addressed to the Hon. Mr. Porter, of the 
Assembly. The response was regarded so favorably that all 
objections were withdrawn, and the request of the Comptroller 
promptly complied with. 

It will be gratifying to the Union Defence Committee to learn 
that the bonds for the extended time were promptly taken by 
capitalists and bankers, and that the original loan was thus season- 
ably provided for. 

It may not be out of place to take another view of the question 
of returning to the city treasury the means so liberally provided, to 
meet a pressing public emergency. 

There are three sources to which the city of New York might look 
for the means to reimburse a fund created for so patriotic a purpose. 

First. The United States, by the terms of the law of Congress, 
have provided a fund to reimburse the cost of raising a volunteer 
force. The language used by the War Department, in reference 
to the application of this fund to the purpose named, is singularly 
definite — it is to be applied to meet the expenses of '^ collecting, 
organizing, and drilling volunteers." For several months past, 
funds derived from this source have been constantly made available 



136 

to meet similar expenses in other cases. It is to be hoped that like 
justice will be extended to the city of New York. 
I/' Second. The State of New York recognizes on the roll of 

volunteer corps, placed in the public service, many regiments which 
have received their outfit, in whole or in part, from the fund 
created by the city. It is by no means clear that a just claim may 
not be founded for reimbursement of the cost of these regiments, 
from the sum provided by the Legislature for similar objects, 
w Third. The officers and soldiers of volunteer regiments are al- 

lowed by the regulations of the War Department to draw a certain 
sum monthly, in addition to their pay, to defray the cost of a por- 
tion of their outfit. In many instances assignments of this claim 
upon the Government were executed to the Committee, and are an- 
nexed to vouchers in the Comptroller's office. To set up this claim, 
while it would not be unjust to the parties, or in conflict with law, 
might be deemed invidious, and the enforcement of the rule un- 
equal in its operation. 

It would seem, therefore, as the claim on the United States is 
unquestionably founded in justice, that irrespective of any other 
probable or positive source of relief, it ought to be urged persist- 
ently to a satisfactory conclusion. 

In bringing their active labors to a close, it will probably be 
deemed appropriate for the Union Defence Committee to make some 
allusion to the changes which have occurred in their organization. 
The Executive Committee venture, therefore, to refer to these 
changes. Two resignations and one death have made vacancies in 
the original number of members. Mr. Royal Phelps resigned his 
place on the 22d of May, and Judge Greene C. Bronson on the 
17th of June last. 

Mr. Theodore Dehon was one of the earliest and most efficient 
members of the Committee, and its first treasurer. The persever- 
ing devotion with which Mr. Dehon discharged the arduous duties 
devolved upon him, very soon made serious inroads upon his health, 
and weakened a constitution not strong enough to withstand the 
effects of such constant labor. At the close of the month of April 
he was compelled to relinquish his office of treasurer, and shortly 
after his membership on the Committee. In the hope of recovering 
his impaired health, in company with his family, he visited Europe, 
where he lingered for a brief space, and died in London on the 24th 
of June. His courtesy of manner, gentleness of deportment and 
remarkable aptitude for business, had secured the respect of his 
associates on the Committee, and won their affectionate regard for 



137 

his excellent personal qualities. While recording their sense of the 
loss sustained in the death of an associate and friend, the Commit- 
tee cannot but find a grateful satisfaction in the expression of their 
sympathy with the affliction which had fallen so suddenly upon his 
bereaved and sorroAving family. 

The vacancy in the office of treasurer Avas supplied by the 
election of Mr. A. A. Low. Upon the appointment of General 
John A. Dix, the first chairman of the Committee, to the office of 
Major-General of the State troops, his resignation was accepted, 
and Mr. Hamilton Fish Avas elected to succeed him. General Dix 
consented to retain his membership on the Committee. Having 
subsequently received a commission as Major-General from the 
President of the United States, General Dix was intrusted with the 
important command of the Department of Maryland, and has not 
taken part in the proceedings of the Committee since June last. 

On the 22d of February last the Union Defence Commit- 
tee invited the citizens of New York, Brooklyn and vicinity to 
assemble in mass meeting, to celebrate the anniversary of the birth 
of Washington, and to congratulate the country on the then 
recent triumphs of the national arms. The response to^ the call 
came from many thousands of loyal citizens. A report of the pro- 
ceedings on that occasion is in preparation, and will be laid before 
the Committee as soon as completed. 

In connection thercAvith, and in conclusion of their report, the 

Executive Committee offer their cordial congratulations upon the 

indications daily becoming more apparent, that the insurrection 

will certainly be quelled, and the authority of the Government 

acknowledged in every State Avithin the borders of the Union. 

Respectfully submitted by order of the 

Executive Committee, 

S. Deapee, 

Chairman. 
Pkosper M. Wetmore, 

Secretary. 

Repoet of the Seceetaey op the Executive , Committee 
UPON Claims por Reimbursement by the General Gov- 
ernment. 

Union Defence Committee, City of New York. 
At or about the close of the year 1861 the Honorable Hamilton 
Fish, chairman of this Committee, while in the city of Washing- 
ton, on his return from the fulfillment of a public duty confided to 



138 

him by the Government at Fortress Monroe, submitted to the Navy 
Department for settlement a claim on behalf of this Committee. 

Payment of this demand was resisted by the then Chief of the 
Bureau of Ordnance, Lieutenant Wise, of the navy, upon the alleged 
ground of overcharges in many of the items of the account ren- 
dered. 

On the return of the chairman to his duty in this city, he sub- 
mitted the statement and criticism of Lieutenant Wise to the Secre- 
tary of the Executive Committee for such explanation as seemed 
to be called for in the premises. 

The following is the reply submitted by the Secretary to the chair- 
man of the Committee, for transmission to the JSTavy Department : 

Union Defence Committee, 
Executive Committee, New York, January 34, 1863. 

Hon. Hamilton Fish, Chairman : 
Dear Sir : 

I regret that the pressure of daily business has prevented me 
from responding more promptly to your inquiry in regard to the 
arms and munitions of war placed on board the Quaker City, 
steamer, by the Union Defence Committee, and the correctness of 
the charges made for them. Perhaps you will allow me to recall the 
circnmstances under which the vessel in question was chartered by 
the Committee and placed in the public service. 
1^ On the 15th of April last the President of the United States 

issued a call for volunteers. The 6th Massachusetts Eegiment 
passed through this city on the 18th, and the 7th New York Militia 
Eegiment followed on the 19th of that month. The Massachusetts 
regiment was attacked, with loss of life, on its passage through 
Baltimore on the 19th, but finally reached the capital seven days 
later, in company with the New York 7th. The railroad track 
was broken up and bridges destroyed north of Baltimore on the 
19th of April, and the injury was not wholly repaired until the 
9th of May ensuing. Mail service was necessarily suspended, and 
telegraph communication interrupted for a number of days, during 
which time the army dispatches to and from General Scott and 
others addressed to tlie State Department, were borne by the private 
dispatch messengers of this Committee. 

The Union Defence Committee was created by a mass meeting 
of the citizens of New York on the 20th of April. The duty con- 
fided to the Committee was indicated in the following brief sen- 
tence : 



139 

" To represent the citizens in the collection of funds and the 
transaction of such other business in aid of the movement of the 
Government as the public interests may require." 

The National Capital being cut off from the usual means of 
communication with the seaboard, the Committee were of opinion 
that the "public interest required " the adoption of active measures 
for its relief. In concert with the Commanding General of the 
Army at this post and the commanding officer at the Brooklyn 
Navy Yard, the sea steamer Quaker City was chartered on the 25th 
of April for thirty days, and placed under the command of Captain 
Shufeldt, a shipmaster thoroughly acquainted with the Southern 
sea-coast. 

After due consultation with the Government officers mentioned, 
it was determined to place an armament with the requisite ammuni- 
tion on board the steamer, which might be used as well for service on 
shore as on shipboard. The actual condition of the public defences 
on the coast of Virginia and in the Chesapeake, and the extent and 
nature of the opposition to be met with on the proposed expedition, 
were wholly unknown to the Committee, and little information 
could be obtained from the Government officers on this station. 

Under these circumstances it was determined to arm the Quaker 
City, put supplies of provisions and ammunition on board, and get 
her to sea with all practicable dispatcl). She was chartered on the 
25th of April, and Ml this port on the 29th of April, 18G1. Every 
article of her armament was selected with all the economy consistent 
with urgent dispatch, by an experienced, capable and discreet citi- 
zen of Xew York, familiar with the business, whose character is 
beyond and above reproach, who had no interest in the profits of 
the transaction, and received no remuneration for his services. 

With this preliminary statement I will proceed as briefly as I 
can to notice the objections made by the Ordnance Bureau at Wash- 
ington to the items of the bill submitted to the Navy Department 
for payment. 

I. The bill which has been questioned is for articles principally 
delivered on board the Quaker City at the Brooklyn N"avy Yard on 
the 27th and 29th days of April, and comprises, among others, 
the following items, viz. : two brass rifled cannon, nominally six 
pounders, throwing thirteen-pound projectiles, with caisson ; har- 
ness for eight horses, and implements complete, charged at 11,700 
each. Total cost 13,400. 

In regard to this item it is stated that the guns were only worth 
$1,150 each, making a difference and a consequent overcharge in the 



14C 

bill of 11,100; and that the "James shot and shell," charged at $3 
each for 500, were only worth $1.50 each, making a difference of 
$750, and also that cartridges charged at forty cents were only worth 
twenty-five cents. 

The answer to these statements is that the guns were not ship 
guns, which usually weigh 600 pounds, nor mounted as such, but 
that they were field cannon, of superior construction, weighing 900 
jDounds, intended for army service; they were boxed for safe trans- 
portation in heavy tliree-incli plank, iron-bound, comprising 
thirty different packages, and in the moving required six heavy 
drays. They were taken from Broadway, delivered at the Brooklyn 
Navy Yard, and the expense of the drayage on the packages was 
sixteen dollars, a distance going and coming of over four miles. 

These guns could be used on shipboard, if the exigencies of the 
service required, but were provided more especially for land service, 
and were accordingly furnished with harness and caissons. The 
projectiles were patent articles, difficult to obtain at any price, un- 
less previously ordered, and had been prepared to accompany these 
particular guns. The guns would have been useless without the 
shot and shell, and the whole were taken together, with the car- 
tridges belonging to them, each containing twenty ounces of powder 
(in flannel bags), to complete an armament hastily prepared at a 
crisis in public affairs when prices were of little consequence in com- 
j)arison with energetic action and efficient service. But it affords 
me pleasure to inform you, after a careful examination into all the 
facts of this case, that even under these circumstances no unreason- 
able charges were made, and that the same articles could not at this 
time be purchjised at any greater deviation in cost than what usually 
results from variations of supply and demand. 

I have seen a written order issued in August last by an officer of 
the Ordnance Department, U. S. A., for two guns of exactly the 
same construction, but with smooth bores, supplied with harness, 
caissons, and implements, for which the price proposed was $1,500 
each, which, with cost of rifling at $100 each, would place these guns 
at $1,600. If I mistake not, the difference in the market value of 
arms between April and August was at least as great as is here 
shown. 

In view of all the facts here cited, it is my deliberate judgment 
that the failure or refusal of the agent of the Committee to purchase 
this armament at the prices paid, and with the object in view, would 
have been an inexcusable neglect of duty on his part deserving 
severe censure. 



141 

So much of the main question involved in the further examina- 
tion of the particular items of this bill, namely, the urgency of the 
case in its bearing upon values has been disposed of in the remarks 
under the first head, that I shall only notice a few of the minor 
items. 

II. 1 — ^'Holster 2^istols," at $4.50, were a heavy serviceable 
article, and are charged at the regular price in the market. 

2 — '' Boarding 2^ ikes '^ at $3.50, are said in the comments on the 
bill to be worth only $1 each. These were not boarding pikes in 
the naval sense applied to that arm, but heavy steel-headed axes 
mounted as pikes, and were reasonable in price. 

3 — '<■ Buck and hall cartridges,'' charged at $17 per M, are stated 
to be worth only $12.80. 

This latter sum is well known to be the exact cost of manufac- 
turing this article by the Government. It might, perhaps, be a use- 
ful inquiry to ascertain if or not the Government had ammunition 
of this kind on hand and ready for delivery at the city of New 
York on the 29th of April last, and if yes, then whether the Quaker 
City should have been detained until an order could be received 
from the proper department at Washington (without the aid of mail 
or telegraphic communication), or whether the extra sum of $42 (on 
the whole quantity) should be paid to complete the armament. It 
also results from the criticism on this and other items that dealers 
in munitions of war are expected to sell their commodities at all 
times at the exact cost of their manufacture. I fear this rule will 
not hold good in regard even to purchases regularly made by the 
Navy Department. 

4 — " Sharp's B. L. rifles " are noted as being charged at $45, 
while they were only worth $37.50. 

It is not easy to ascertain upon what principles this question of 
the value of rifles has been settled. 

Sharp's rifles are sold by the manufacturer at prices ranging 
from $30 to $75, according to size of bore and finish of workman- 
ship. An opportunity is aiforded, however, for a safe decision on 
one point involved in this question. The precise article under re- 
view — a veritable rifle recovered from the Quaker City — is now in 
the possession of the Committee, and stands at my elbow while I 
write, and its exact marked value is $45. The armory of this Com- 
mittee has been found quite useful of late. to the Government. It 
has supplied the War Department with Sharp's rifles at $30, and 
others at $35. The Committee have not yet met with any of this 
article, the price of which was $37.50. 



142 

5 — "Hall's carbines," charged at $8, are estimated in this com- 
ment at $3, with this note added : " Hall's carbines have been sold 
out of the service at $3 each, and a bargain at that." It is not 
clearly made to appear whether the bargain was with the seller or 
bnyer, but it is pretty well known that Hall's carbines have been 
twice sold out of service, and twice the same carbines have been 
repurchased by officers of the Government. It does not devolve 
upon the Union Defence Committee to defend either the sale or pur- 
chase of arms by the United States, but I have recently read in a 
Congressional report the testimony of Major Hagner, an officer of 
high reputation in the army, in which he gives the opinion that this 
jp7'ecise article (Hall's carbine), which had been sold {out of service) 
was now, with a slight alteration, worth in the service $10 to $12. 
Further, while I write I have lying before me the copy of a bill for 
nine hundred and twenty Hall's carbines, sold by this Committee at 
the cost price of $9 each, to Major Hagner on the 7th of August 
last. This bill certified by that officer to be "correct and just," 
has been paid at the Treasury Department. 

6 — "Iron mounted mushetoons" charged at $9, are subjected to 
the following remarks : " Iron mounted musketoons " must be a new 
arm, not known in the present day, and in all probability not worth 
its weight in old iron." 

I do not feel called on to express an opinion in regard to the 
comment above quoted, but will content myself by referring to the 
following item in the Bill of Arms purchased of the Committee by 
Major Hagner, before mentioned : " Fifty-seven musketoons at 112 



I have never heard the character of that officer impugned ; his 
integrity is unquestioned in the army, and his acquaintance with 
every description and quality of arms in use in the present day un- 
disputed. If, however. Major Hagner should need any justification 
in this instance, he will find it by referring to the U. S. Ordnance 
Manual, where the arm in question is duly recognized, and more 
especially in the revised edition of the Army Eegulations, edition 
1861, page 395, where this arm is treated of under three separate 
heads, namely, the Artillery musketoon, the Cavalry musketoon, 
and the Sapper's musketoon, the latter being " iron mounted," and 
the cost of the manufacture being stated at $10.37. The latter was 
the kind put on board the Quaker City, as I am informed and 
believe. 

7 — '' Two Mindred and fifty cutlasses " are charged at $3 each, 
and this is the comment thereon, accompanied by a double note of 



143 

interrogation, ??: ''The cutlasses were perhaps sheet-iron blades, 
picked out of scrap shops." 

Instead of discussing what "perhaps " might have been the case, 
I prefer and will state it and treat it according to the facts. The cut- 
lasses were steel blades, Avith heavy brass hilts and scabbards; they 
were intended, as was theprincijoal armament on board this steamer, 
to serve a double purpose, in being useful at sea or on land — were 
cutlasses for the sailor, or cavalry sabres for the soldier, and were 
purchased of the most extensive business house in Xew York deal- 
ing in arms. 

8 — The following is a general comment affecting the entire 
bill: "Boxes out of all proportion to material delivered." I have 
taken the trouble to test this criticism, and I find it to be untenable. 
Taking the practice of the Army Ordnance as a guide, I am satisfied 
that no box or case has been charged for, that was not necessary for 
the due preservation of the j)roperty, nor is there a single instance of 
overcharge which I have been able to detect. This is a question not 
to be disposed of in such an off-hand manner. Fifteen thousand 
dollars' worth of valuable property, especially liable to injury from 
exposure, such as ships' guns, rifles, cutlasses and boarding pikes, 
might not necessarily involve an expenditure of five dollars 
for protection, but the officer who should venture to place on 
board a ship of war fitted for a sea voyiige a hundred superior 
breech-loading rifles, with all their delicate implements, Avith- 
out properly securing them from injury in appropriate cases, 
would simply be giving evidence of his total unfitness for his 
station. 

I do not propose to pursue this inquiry any further ; the re- 
maining items are unimportant, and cannot be successfully ques- 
tioned. It appears to me quite apparent that arms and munitions 
of war, intended for army use, are not as familiar to the other 
branch of the public service as might have been expected from its 
well-known intelligence. 

Permit me now to remind you of the anomalous condition in 
which the Committee find themselves in regard to this well-meant 
effort on their part to serve the Government. They expended for 
the object in view about fifteen thousand dollars, having therewith 
armed and put into the service one of the most effective war steamers 
employed on the Southern sea-coast. That this expenditure in due 
season became known to the Navy Department would seem to be 
apparent from the fact of the receipt by the Committee of the fol- 
lowing official document : 



144 

(Copy.) "Ordnance Office, Navy Yabd, 

New York, June 5, 1861. 

"Sir: I am about to render my accounts to the Bureau of 
Ordnance for the past month, including the arms, ammunition, etc., 
received from the Union Defence Committee, and having to attach 
the cost of all articles received for the use of the Government, I 
would respectfully request your Committee to furnish me with an 
invoice of the articles delivered to this yard. 

"Very respectfully, your ob't servant, 

" GUERT GaNZEVOORT, 

" Oonv'd''r in Charge Ordnance. 
" Forwarded by Saiii'l L. Breeze, Comm'dt." 

'^-' The invoice asked for was furnished to the ordnance officer. 

^ On presenting the voucher for the expenditure to the Navy Depart- 
ment for reimbursement the following answer was received : "The 
Secretary had no recollection of making requisitions or authorizing 
the purchasing of these articles." The claim was thereupon referred 
to the Ordnance Bureau, where it remains, doubtless accompanied 
by the strictures which it has been the purpose of this communica- 
tion to answer. 

The response of the Secretary of the Navy was undoubtedly 
given in good faith ; the Navy Department could scarcely have made 
either requisitions or purchases for the sea-coast defence on the 
25th of April last. Fortunately for the public safety, there were 
those actively engaged in its behalf who did not wait for requisi- 
tions. 

About three months since, this steamer, then having become a 
national vessel of war, returned to the Brooklyn Navy Yard for 
repair and outfit. A week after her arrival, information came acci- 
dentally to the Committee that in breaking out the armament found 
on board, a quantity of arms, ammunition, etc., had been put on 
shore, and was lying exposed to loss and injury, which it was thought 
(by the informant) belonged to the Union Defence Committee. 
After repeated unsuccessful efforts, the agent of the Committee ob- 
tained and placed in their armory the larger portion of the arma- 
ment in question. A portion of it had been injured by bad usage 
and exposure to weather, but upon the whole the recovery of this 
property was considered fortunate. 

A careful account was taken and certified by competent persons, 
with the following result: 



145 

Cost of armament placed on board Quaker 

City, April, 1861 $15,013 75 

Value of articles recovered from the open 
grounds and landing places of Brook- 
lyn Navy Yard, a portion only being in 
proper order, 5th October, 1861 10,220 00 

Balance to debit of United States $4,793 75 

The original charter of the Quaker City by the Union Defence 
Committee was for thirty days. Subsequently this period was ex- 
tended to two months, and at that time was assumed by the Gov- 
ernment, when she was finally purchased by the United States and 
became one of the most efiicient vessels of the blockading squadron. 

It may not be out of place in this connection to remind you of 
a portion of the services rendered by that vessel while employed 
under charter with this Committee, and with the armament thus 
furnished. 

Under the first charter of thirty days she made the following 
captures : 

May 14, Ship North Carolina. 
" 20. Bark Pioneer, from Liverpool. 
" 25. Bark Winifred, from Rio, with cofiee. 

Under the second charter, with the same armament, she cap- 
tured : 

May 30. Schooner Lynchhiirg, from Rio. 

June 4. Bark General Greene, from Cuba. 
" 26. Bark Sallie Mager, from Rio. 

Subsequently, under Government authority, the Quaker City 
captured : 

July 1. Schooner Sallie Hears, from Trinidad. 
" 10. Brig Amy Warwick, from Rio. 

It is quite an important fact to state further that one ship and 
cargo captured under the earlier charters was tried and condemned 
under decree of Admiralty Court 5 and that decree, iuvolving more 
than a hundred thousand dollars, may be fairly claimed as subject 
to the rights of the Union Defence Committee. 

I have met with no evidence to show that any other steamer 
employed on the Atlantic coast has during the same period per- 
formed more efficient or more economical service to the loyal in- 
terest of the United States than the Quaker City. 

What view the Navy Department, under the advice of the 
10 



146 

Ordnance Bureau, may adopt in regard to the reimbursement of this 
balance I do not presume to conjecture. But I am quite sure the 
Union Defence Committee have done neither more nor less than 
their duty to the country in the case under notice; and I know they 
have found abundant cause for thankfulness that they had the oppor- 
tunity and the means for rendering essential aid to the National 
Government at a period and under circumstances when it was 
scarcely able to protect itself. 

I shall be happy to furnish any further information in my pos- 
session in regard to this or any other transaction of the Committee 
which it may be your pleasure to ask for. 
Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 
P. M. Wetmore, 

Secretary Ex. Committee 

Union Defence Committee. 



Keport of Special Committee to the Mayor and Commoist 

Council. 

New York, May 20. 1861. 
The Special Committee appointed at the last meeting of the 
Union Defence Committee for that purpose, beg leave respectfully 
to present a draft report, to be presented to His Honor the Mayor 
and the Common Council of the City of New York. 

William M. Evarts, Chairman, 

Edwards Pierrepont, 

Isaac Bell, 

J. J. Astor, Jr., 

A. C. Eichards. 

To the Honorable the Mayor and Common Council of the City of 
Neio York : 
The Union Defence Committee of the City of New York have 
the honor to report to the Mayor and Common Council of the city 
of New York that in the administration of the trust reposed in this 
Committee in and by the ordinance of the Common Council ap- 
proved by the Mayor on the 23d of April, 1861, in the disburse- 
ment of the sum of 11,000,000, appropriated in and by said ordi- 
nance, they have expended for the uses and purposes prescribed by 
the terms of said ordinance the amounts hereinafter stated. 



147 

Under the direction of the sub-committee on application for 
pi'ovisions and supplies, for provisions and water-proof blankets the 
sum of $4,100. 

Under the direction of the sub-committee on purchases of arms 
and ammunition, for these articles 1155,479. 

Under the direction of the sub-committee on aid to regiments, 
they have made appropriations under four principal heads as follows : 

1. For the subsistence of the soldiers while the process of organ- 
ization and formation of regiments for acceptance by the State or by 
the General Government was going on ; 

2. For clothing to the most destitute volunteers ; 

3. For expenses of recruiting stations ; 

4. For uniforms, generally fatigue uniforms, and equipments 
and accoutrements. 

These appropriations have been in aid of fifty-four different regi- 
ments, complete and incomplete, and in the whole amount to the 
sum of '$272,975.78, on account of which requisitions upon the 
Comptroller to the amount of 1224,893.68 have been issued, leav- 
ing a balance of such appropriations not yet drawn of 148,082.10. 

The aggregate amount of the disbursements of the appropria- 
tion of the city actually made by the Committee under all the fore- 
going heads of expenditure is $384,472.68, not including the unex- 
pended sum of $48,802.10 appropriated by the Committee. 

Under the other branch of expenditures contemplated by the 
ordinance, that of "aid and support of the families of such officers 
and men as may require the same," the Committee, up to the 
evening of May 18th, have disbursed the sum of 134,300, applied to 
the use of 3,026 families dependent upon volunteers connected with 
forty-three different regiments, complete and incomplete. 

The number of families now receiving aid from the Committee is 
such as to require an expenditure at the present rates of supply of 
about $38,000 per week ; and in the opinion of the Committee, ad- 
ditions will shortly be made, in all probability, to the number of 
beneficiaries, which will increase the Aveekly expenditure under this 
head to about $50,000. 

In respect to the future requirements of the Committee, for the 
continuance of their action in aid of "the necessary equipment and 
outfit of the military force of the city of New York," the Committee 
have come to the following conclusions : 

1. That it is not expedient for this Committee or for the 
corporate authorities of the city, or for the citizens at large, to give 
any further aid in any form in favor of any regiment or other 



148 

organization of troops which is not to enlist for the period of three 
years or the war, or which the Government of the United States is 
not ready to receive into its service immediately on the completion 
of such organization. 

2. That beyond furnishing such aid as may fairly fall within 
their duty in the administration of the funds intrusted to their 
charge toward putting in the field the fourteen regiments to be 
selected by the Committee under the order issued by the Secretary 
of War, on the day of May instant, this Committee should take 

no part in assisting further organizations of troops in this city until 
a further call for troops shall be made by the General Government, 
which shall give some new occasion for the action of the Com- 
mittee. 

If the action of the Committee in respect of the organization and 
movement of troops be limited as above suggested, the further ex- 
penditures of the Committee under this head, as near as they can 
estimate, will require about the sum of 1200,000. 

In regard to that branch of expenditures contemplated by the 
ordinance which relates to aid to the families of volunteers, the 
Committee beg leave respectfully to present for the consideration of 
the Common Council the following suggestions. 

At the time that this ordinance was passed the only call for 
troops for the service of the General Government which had 
been made was that of the President's proclamation of the 15th 
of April, which provided for only three months' service. The 
sudden emergency which led to the issue of this proclamation 
required that its call should be instantly obeyed, and the spirit and 
alacrity with which the people of the loyal States, as well as the 
public authorities of these States, responded to this call, showed 
that the public necessity was well understood. It was apparent 
that to be of any benefit to the Government in this moment of 
need, the troops that should be supplied for three months' ser- 
vice would need to be put upon their march instantly, and that 
existing organizations of troops for the most part, with such 
supplements of volunteers as could be rapidly furnished, would 
alone be available for the emergency. It was obvious, therefore, 
that many soldiers, having families dependent upon their earnings 
for support, would be obliged to throw down their employments at 
the call of the country, without time or opportunity to make any 
arrangements for those dependent upon them, and all this for a 
military service of the brief duration of three months. It became, 
therefore, and was so recognized, a plain duty of the city authorities 



149 

and patriotic citizens by private contributions to Justify this instant 
sacrifice of the interests of their families by the citizen soldiery by 
an immediate and efficient provision for their present support. 
This, in the opinion of the Committee, was the motive upon which 
the appropriation of the City Government in aid of the families of 
volunteers and the contributions of citizens to the same object were 
prompted, and which led to their uniting the duty of disbursing the 
same with the other principal duties of facilitating the organization 
and movement of troops assigned to this Committee by the generous 
confidence of their fellow citizens. 

It is not, perhaps, for this Committee to say how far, or in 
what shape, this principle of ])ublic or private aid to the families 
of volunteers who shall become a part of the more permanent mili- 
tary forces of the State or Federal Government, under the late pro- 
clamation of the President calling for a three years' enlistment, 
should be maintained or applied. It is apparent that the circum- 
stances of a less sudden enlistment and of the more permanent 
employment of this latter levy, distinguished the case of these 
volunteers from that of the first instantaneous rally of volunteers 
under the proclamation of April 15. The Committee, however, 
are of opinion that if a general and permanent system of aid 
to families of volunteers is to be maintained and applied to the 
more permanent organization of forces from appropriations to be 
made from the city treasury, the disbursement of such funds, 
involving the distribution of something like 13,500,000 per annum 
of public moneys, through a possible period of several years, 
would be a subject unsuitable for continued administration by this 
Committee. 

If, however, this Committee should continue to administer the 
disbursement of the aid to the families of volunteers, a further ap- 
propriation for that purpose would be required from the City 
Government, as the balance of the $1,000,000 appropriated by the 
ordinance of April 23, not already expended, or not required under 
the above estimate for putting the fourteen regiments in the field, 
would be exhausted in a few weeks, at the rate of supply to families 
afforded by the Committee. 

In estimating any probable sum that may be required for 
further aid to the families of needy volunteers, the Committee are 
decidedly of the opinion, and beg leave respectfully to represent to 
the Hon. the Mayor and Common Council, that the principle should 
be adopted of extending such aid in no case beyond the period of 
three months after the volunteer's enlistment. 



150 

TiEPORTS OF Special Committees to Washington 

Report of James S. WadswortJi} 

Phila., April -25 [1861], 11 P. M. 

Dear Sir, 

Upon reflection, I decided that I could better execute my com- 
mission by going to Annapolis by Havre de Grace in advance of my 
ship. I have just had an interview with General Patterson. He did 
not know where any of our troops were, what was the condition of 
the Annapolis & Washington K.E., or what was beiug done about 
it. I have since seen Mr. Felton, the superintendent of the Balti- 
more Eoad. He informs me that the Massachusetts Sappers and 
Miners are at work on the road, have about eight miles finished, 
and twelve to complete, on which there are no very heavy repairs. 
On my telegraphic advice this morning, he sent me a gaug of 
regular track hands. He thinks my tools and materials ftirnished 
by Mr. Sloan will be much needed. He thinks there are about 
eight thousand troops in Annapolis, plenty of raw provisions, but 
confusion and some suffering. General Patterson is to send on a 
quartermaster from the regular army with me in the morning. I 
saw the orders to withdraw the troops from Cockeysville, " to 
prevent unnecessary excitement and irritation in Baltimore," drawn 
by Cameron at the request of the President. I blushed for my 
country and our President as I read them. 

All the efficiency, energy, and capacity here is found outside the 
military organizations. Thompson, President Pennsylvania Central, 
and Feltou, have accomplished almost all that has been done. 
They and other private citizens here and elsewhere have saved the 
Capital. 

As the capital is now safe and the Government seems to be 
without a plan for the future, 1 think the many expenses of our 
Committee in chartering steamers should be reduced. It is inex- 
pedient to send forward large reinforcements until the organization 
of the army is completed, or at least made better than it is at 
present. Has any one authority to send home such steamers as are 
not needed at Annapolis ? 

I will write you as often as I find time, and you can read to the 
Committee whatever yon think worthy of their attention. 

Truly, yours, 

Jas. S. Wadsworth. 
Simeon Draper . 



151 

Report of Charles H. Hasioell [Special Agent] 

WASHrsGTON, Friday, April 29 [1861], 12 m. 

Sir, 

The cause of my not giving you replies to yonr detailed queries, 
accrues from the circumstance of General Scott not furnishing me 
with the necessary information, and as I could not hazard any upon 
my own inferences, I decided to await until I could effect this pur- 
pose of my mission, and having failed to receive such information 
of General Scott, I waited upon Mr. Seward this a.m. and set forth 
my case, whereupon he vrent forthwith with me to General Scott, 
and received from him (the reply) that he was indisposed to com- 
municate with a civil commission upon such matters. 

I met this position of his, and received from him the courteous 
acknowledgment that all that Avas done was efficient and satis- 
factory, and that until otherwise decided by the Government I was 
not to arrest your forwarding of troops and supplies to Annapolis. 

In reply to your queries then, I have to advise : 

1st. All that had left Xew York up to Sunday evening, are here, 
or between here and Annapolis. 

2d. Supplies are wanted, but the details of these are not yet 
furnished me. 

3d. Annapolis, decidedly. 

4th. Xo advice received by me. 

5th. Meat and vegetables. 

6th. More force, but not with a dispatch affecting the efficiency 
of their equipment. 

7th. It is advised of your labors and purposes ; this question is 
answered above. 

8th. No advice given me as yet. 

9th. Annapolis is safe, so far as advised at this time. 

I have reported to the Secretary of War regarding the railroad- 
engines, etc., and a person is detailed to put the road (hence to 
Annapolis) in thorough order. 

The Postmaster-General concurs in the necessity of this route 
being kept effectively open. 

The circumstance, that the President and his cabinet have put 
the entire direction of the military operations of the Government 
under the control of General Scott, circumscribes me in giving you 
the details I would like to. I am to meet him, however, at dinner 
this P.M. at Mr. Seward's, and I will advise of any further infor- 
mation I niav have. 



152 

3 P.M. Mr. Schuyler has arrived, and I have communicated with 
him. 

I advised you yesterday of General Scott's preference to the 
Potomac as a source of transit for troops and ammunition, over 
Annapolis. I have just learned of one of his aids of a change of his 
opinion in this, as he fears the erection of a battery at White House 
Point, and other points. 

I shall communicate with the Quartermaster-General, regard- 
ing the details of provisions required, and advise you. 

12 M. I am gratified at being at length enabled to communicate 
to you the full success of having established the basis of my mission, 
which is communicated to you in the following copy of a letter I 
have succeeded in obtaining from General Scott, viz. : 

Headquarters Army, 
Washington, April 26, 1861. 
" The General in Chief recognizes Charles H. Haswell, Esq., 
as the agent of a patriotic Committee of Citizens of New 
York, whose object is to aid the United States Government 
in procuring and forwarding army supplies of all kinds. 

The Chiefs of the several Staff Bureaux are desired to make 
known to Mr. Haswell in what manner he can fulfill his 
mission to this city in reference to the several departments. 
By command. 

E. D. TowNSEND, Ass't Adj't-Gen'l. 

To the Quartermaster-General. 

Commissary-General of Subsistence. 

Surgeon-General. 

Paymaster-General. 

Colonel of Engineers. ^ 

Colonel of Topographical Engineers. 

Colonel of Ordnance." 

Mr. Schuyler will verbally communicate to you upon many 
points of interest, which want of time precludes me from entering 
upon, and his observations render unnecessary. 

I am respectfully, 

Your obed't serv't, 

Ohas. H. Haswell. 
To John A. Dix, Esq., 

Chairman Union Defence Com. of N. T. 



153 

Bejjort of George T. M. Davis [Sjwcial Agent] 

New York. May 1, 1861. 
Dear Sir: 

In obedience to the instructions of yourself and Tlieodore Dehou, 
Esq., on behalf of the Union Defence Committee of this city, I 
proceeded to Washington with the various communications designed 
for the President and several members of the Cabinet. 

After overcoming various difficulties in traveling with any 
degree of safety or dispatch, I arrived at Washington on Saturday 
evening the 27th ulto. at about six o'clock. 

I met the President by his appointment at eight o'clock the same 
evening, remaining with him until nearly half-past nine, the Sec- 
retary of State, the Hon. Wm. H. Seward, being present during 
most of the interview. 

The communications forwarded by the Committee through me 
explaining fully the object of my mission, the President entered 
freely into the consideration of their subject-matter. 

I explained to him, with a frankness and freedom that a per- 
sonal acquaintance of twenty-eight years justified, the true state of 
feeling that pervaded the public mind of this city, their anxiety 
that a speedy termination should be made of the rebellion on the 
part of certain States against the Government of the United States, 
by decisive and energetic action, and the willingness on the part of 
the citizens to contribute both their blood and their treasure to any 
extent that might be necessary to suppress this rebellion within the 
shortest compass of time that was possible. 

The following memorandums made immediately after that inter- 
view, and one on the subsequent morning with Mr. Seward, by his 
own appointment, will convey to the Committee in the fewest words 
I can command, the views of both the President and Secretary of 
State as then and there expressed. 

The President informed me that he had caused full information 
through the proper departments to be made to Mr. Haswell on be- 
half of the committee, in answer to all the information yonr Com- 
mittee desired, so far as the public interests would justify. He 
regarded the censure of the city press upon the administration as 
unjust. Could not say that lie had ever felt any actual danger of 
the capture of the capital by the forces of the rebelling States, 
although from Sunday until Tuesday evening of last week, in the 
absence of any reliable tidings as to the whereabouts of the New 
York Seventh Kegiment and the Massachusetts regiment, he was. 



154 

to some extent, uneasy. So soon as the first detachment of Northern 
troops arrived all his uneasiness disappeared. He had been severely 
censured for turning back the half-armed and unprovisioned troops 
from Cockeysville. It was proper he should say that act was en- 
tirely his own, both General Scott and his Cabinet differing with 
him as to the policy of such order. But as his suffering them either 
to remain there or to advance after the negotiations he had had 
with Governor Hicks and the Mayor of Baltimore, might be tor- 
tured into an act of bad faith on his part toward those gentlemen, 
he was determined to remove all pretense for such imputation at 
any and all hazards. The President felt, judging from what had 
transpired subsequent to this act on his part, that good faith had 
been observed by both Governor Hicks and Mayor Henry towards 
him. They had it in their power to concentrate forces at different 
points and greatly delay the advtince of our troops to the capital, 
where but five hundred regulars was the only reliable force to protect 
it in the event of a surprise. They could have done this by annoy- 
ing us at Perrysville, as well as between Perrysville and Annapolis, 
and at the Relay House. But nothing of the kind had been attempted, 
and the result was, the line from Perrysville via Annapolis to Wash- 
ington had been kept open, until thousands of troops had been con- 
centrated at the capital without any collision or the jeopardy of a 
man. 

The administration had good reason to believe the crisis was 
passed in Baltimore, that a reaction was taking place, and that the 
loyal citizens were gradually obtaining the mastei'y of the mob. 

The President added, he could easily have destroyed Baltimore, 
but that it wonld have been visiting vengeance upon a large body of 
loyal citizens, who were the property-holders, for the sake of pun- 
ishing the mob who had committed the outrage upon the Massa- 
chusetts troops, but which mob, as to proj^erty, had little or nothing 
to lose. 

That General Scott had entire charge and control of all the-mili- 
tary operations for the suppression of the existing rebellion, and had 
not been interfered with, save in the single instance of the Presi- 
dent ordering back the troops from Cockeysville. 

General Scott had daily reported to him that he, the General, 
was ten days in advance of the rebel forces in all their movements 
and preparations, and this the South would soon find out if tliey 
ventured an attack. 

The President felt that if the Committee and the citizens of New 
York would exercise a greater degree of patience, or manifest the 



155 

same confidence in the administration that it had placed in them, 
the results would demonstrate to the country at the proper time 
that e.yerything had been done that could be, and with as much dis- 
patch as possible, to suppress the rebellion and avoid unnecessary 
shedding of blood and destruction of property. That General Scott 
was compelled first to ascertain who Avere loyal and who were dis- 
loyal, both in the army and navy, before he could move, and his 
embarrassments in this respect alone had been far greater than 
either the Committee or the public could conceive of. 

The President expressed unlimited confidence in the Committee 
and the highest regard for them individually, as well as for their 
opinions and suggestions. But that they should avoid, as well as 
the public, pushing the administration into any excess of action. 
That the Government hnew what were the strategic movements of 
the rebelling States, Avhich, of course, the , Committee could not 
know, and that the movements^of the Government were based upon 
that knoAvledge. 

The administration now felt safe, and that their action would be 
found fully up to any existing or future necessities that might arise. 
The united uprising of the free States, and especially the demonstra- 
tion and prompt and energetic action of the city of New York, the 
President considered, had accomplished more toward checking any 
aggressive movements at the South than any army we could have 
marched upon them, and that the Committee might feel assured that 
while the administration were determined to act with all the dis- 
patch and decision in their power, they would at the same time as 
strenuously avoid everything like a spirit of revenge toward the 
South . 

Governor Seward could not see the necessity of these frequent 
messengers from the Committee, all seeking the same information. 
That when the first messenger arrived Mr. Seward himself, upon 
personal solicitation, had persuaded the Secretary of the Treasury, 
the Secretary of War, and General Scott to give power of attorney to 
different members of your Committee to act in emergencies for their 
respective departments, thus virtually placing the government under 
their control. That the complaints and censure against the admin- 
istration or any of its members were without cause. That when this 
rebellion culminated the administration had but one or two ships of 
war at their immediate command, the army was greatly demoralized, 
so far as its officers were concerned, the capital was threatened, 
and its only reliable force for defence was the eight hundred regu- 
lars then quartered at Washington. The enrolled militia force of 



156 

the District of Columbia was not regarded as reliable in the 
emergency of a sudden attack until Northern reinforcements could 
be got there; and that the unexpected collision in Baltimore, 
upon the passage of the Massachusetts troops through the city, had 
interposed unlooked-for obstacles in their promptly reinforcing 
the capital for its protection. That the administration would not 
be precipitated into any action that looked like a spirit of re- 
venge toward the South, and that their sole design was to preserve 
the integrity of the Union by winning back the disloyal to 
loyalty, and not to wage aggressive war upon any portion of the 
country. 

That before even we could defend any threatened part of the 
Government, an army must be organized and sufficiently disciplined 
for service, and this, too, from entirely raw material. That troops 
had come forward without a biscuit in their knapsacks, in many in- 
stances unarmed, and in an exhausted condition from the effects of 
a sea voyage and forced marches from Annapolis to Washington. 
That but tivo iveehs had transpired since the President issued his 
proclamation for volunteers, and that because in that brief period 
an army had not been organized, rendered effective for service, and 
accomplished results that the public desired, the administration had 
been assailed without stint. 

That General Scott had entire control of the military operations 
for suppressing the rebellion, and had only been interfered with in 
the one instance in which the President directed the return of the 
Pennsylvania troops from Cockeysville, after the Baltimore affair. 

Mr. Seward remarked that although that order was given by the 
President against the advice of every member of his Cabinet, as 
also of General Scott, it had nevertheless turned out to have been 
an act of great wisdom, as daily results in Maryland were now 
developing. 

That General Scott was now seventy-six years of age, and that 
he, Mr. Seward, almost hourly visited him to prevent the General 
from overworking himself. And that if the citizens of New York 
did not desire the loss of his invaluable military services, never more 
valuable than at this crisis, they would avoid precipitating action 
beyond what General Scott, as well as the administration, kneio was 
necessary. That they now felt entirely safe, as they were at least 
ten days in advance o^ the enemy, and that this advantage they did 
not intend to lessen. 

That the administration would strike when and wherever it was 
most for the advantage of the Government it should strike, but 



157 

would do nothing that evinced a spirit of revenge toward any of 
the rebelling States. 

That Mr. Haswell had been furnished every proper facility to 
give the Committee full and reliable information, which would be 
continued so long as he remained at Washington. But, to avoid 
confusion, it would be better to confine these communications to one 
channel, either Mr. H. or myself, or such other person as the Com- 
mittee might designate. 

In reply to the suggestion I was directed by Mr. Dehon to make, 
that arms from Canada could be obtained upon the advice of Lord 
Lyons, etc., Mr. Seward replied that General Scott reported that 
there was no want of arms, and all that was required was sufficient 
time to distribute them with safety at the different points where 
they were most needed for equip})ing the volunteer militia. 

That it was more than useless to send forward either unarmed or 
uuprovisioned troops. And that when fighting became indispen- 
sable, the administration would be found with the will and the 
ability to do its whole duty to the country. 

Mr. Seward regarded the prompt and united action of the citi- 
zens of New York the greatest lever that could have been employed 
in eventually overthroAving this rebellion ; and that he could not 
believe that either the city or the State of New York desired any 
unnecessary shedding of blood. That a reaction had already com- 
menced, and that the power of the Government, backed by the 
united voice of the free States, was being felt in a far greater degree 
than could now be made public, but which would gradually develop 
itself. That the prompt response of the country to the President's 
proclamation was working great good ; but that these movements, 
if precipitated, might destroy all that good, and work a positive 
injury. 

The above is the substance of the interviews I had with the 
President and Secretary of State. 

They are respectfully submitted to the Committee, with the 
simple suggestion that the violent attacks of a portion of the city 
press upon the President and members of the Cabinet are not only 
working a positive injury to the country, but will be found, when 
the proper time for disclosure arises, to have been as groundless as 
was the assault of one of that city press upon the gallant Major 
Anderson for his evacuation of Fort Sumter. 

I collected reliable information as to the number and position 
of our troops, so far as they had arrived up to the 30th instant, the 
want of proper provision on their disembarkation from this city, their 



158 

efficiency, etc., which I will communicate in writing to the Com- 
mittee should they so desire. Respectfully, 

Your obed't serv't, 

Geo. T. M. Davis, 

4 Exchange Place. 
Pkosper M. Wetmore, Esq. 



Repo7is of William E. Dodge. 

Philadelphia, 10 p.m.. May \st, [1861]. 
Dear Sir : On my arrival here I found our friend C[arlisle] 
in bed quite used up by the excitement and travel of the past week ; 
he has telegrams from his friends, who will be here to-morrow, but 
they say nothing of their success. He handed me several letters 
from home to read, one enclosing a large handbill advertising a 
meeting for the 6th inst., which is out on Richmond and the Seces- 
sion leaders in a style which indicates that they are determined 
never to submit to their acts. When I have seen his friends will 
write you fully, and can then decide as to future movements. 

Truly yours, 

Wm. E. Dodge. 
I send this under cover to my friend. 

Philadelphia, 2 May, 1861. 

Dear Sir : I find tlie friends of Mr. Carlisle are on the way 
back, but he is so anxious about the loss of time, he begs me to 
go at once to Washington, and I leave in a few moments. 

From letters he received since he saw you from several promi- 
nent parties I am confident the feeling is very strong in favor of 
the Union, and all they want is some aid to drive the Secession men 
to act with them or leave the country. A strong demonstration 
will have its eflfect on all the Union men of the border States. 

I feel as if we must in some way help them ; will write fully from 
Washington. 

I send enclosed to my firm, who will deliver at once. 

Very truly yours, 

Wm. E. Dodge. 
Simeon Draper, Esq., Chairman. 

Report of Charles H. Hasivell [Special Agent] 

Washington, May 3, 1861. 
Sir: Your messenger of 1st inst. reached here this a.m. 
The route hence to New York via Annapolis is now fairly opened. 



159 

Leaves here 3 p.m. daily, Sunday included, and reaches Phila- 
delphia at 11 P.M. 

Leaves Philadelphia at 11 p.m., reaches here at 9 a.m. following 
morning. 

Before I undertook to communicate by telegraph I advised 
myself as to the existence of any surveillance of messages at Bal- 
timore, and learning authoritatively that there was, I was comiDclled 
to resort to ambiguous expressions. 

Hence L. G. S. referred to Lieut. -Gen. Scott, and the parties, 
when addresses have been given, are the Quartermaster, Commis- 
sary, etc., at New York. 

The Secretary of War is so besieged by applicants for office that 
the occupation of his time is injudiciously diverted from necessary 
duty, added to what the calls on the part of the volunteer forces 
here for everything, i3uts all the officers in confusion, and at times I 
only obtain such information as I require when too late to com- 
municate by messenger, or at the point of his leaving. 

The Pennsylvania regiment made a formal representation to 
headquarters that they are without food. Upon investigation, it 
appeared that they had been regularly served with the army rations. 
This they did not consider a supply. Col. Ellsworth's regiment is 
here. 

To meet the possibility of any misconception on an important 
point, I will again refer to it. 

The reply to query No. 1 in your letter to Messrs. Evarts, Pierre- 
pont and Weed was given by the Secretary of War, but I feared it 
was wrong ; in fact, I was so sure of it I went to the proper quarter, 
and, without causing any conflict between the two parties, I was 
directed to advise the forwarding of more troops. 

Gen'l Scott advised me last evening that he wanted from eight 
to nine more regiments here. His spies advise him of from 8,000 to 
9,000 of the enemy within one hundred and twenty miles of this. 

In a few days there will be two daily lines between this and 
Philadelphia. 

The Seventh Regiment went into camp last evening on Mr. 
Stone's grounds, about one mile from Willard's, on the same street 
running north. 

I am respectfully, yours, etc., 

Chas. H. Haswell. 

S. Draper, Esq., 
Chairman Union Defence Comm. of N. Y. 

Your son is well. 



160 

Report of Special Committee to Washington 

Washikgton, May 9, 1861. 

Gentlemen" : On our arrival here we endeavored to reach the 
points of official information without loss of time. The first visit 
we paid was upon our General, who, meeting us at the door of his 
dATelling, invited us to his quarters. We then heard from him his 
entire views and plans ; Ave also received from him the most em- 
phatic expressions of commendation for the patriotism, zeal and 
activitv evinced by the Committee in advancing the very necessary 
additional force. There had been, and still existed, an entire mis- 
understanding as to the forwarding of troops between the General 
and the War Department. The order from the War Department 
required a complete uniform, camp equipage, etc., etc., etc., while 
the intention of the General was calculated to go no further than to 
require the equipment to be such as to enable the troops to do work. 
A ofun and ammunition would have covered the order of General 
Scott, while the order of the Secretary, as construed by our Gov- 
ernor, would have required a full and complete supply of everything 
used in camp and on the field, which at this particular time would 
have been equivalent to giving our enemies the battle. This, we 
trust, we have remedied, and hereafter we trust that no governor 
or military commander will wait for vegetation to produce the forage 
for the horses, or button manufacturers to supply the buttons from 
new dies. 

General Scott is impressed with the power and readiness of the 
foe, and is preparing for : 

1st. The protection of the persons composing the Government. 

2d. The protection of the archives of the Government. 

3d. The protection of the buildings of the Government. 

4th. The protection of the seat of Government. 

5th. The movement of aggression, which means Harper's Ferry, 
Norfolk, Alexandria, and finally Richmond. General Scott looks 
forward with the eye of a soldier and the patriotism of a faithful 
American. 

The President received us blandly, and seemed very willing to 
talk to us freely. His views were chiefly embraced in hie frequently 
repeated assurance that he was governed in all his movements 
"militaires" by Gen. Scott. We called upon Secretary Chase, who 
gave us a few minutes, but we elicited nothing beyond a confidence 
in the patriotism of capitalists and a reliance on getting Avhat 
money he requires. After all, however, we had no special light 



161 

beyond the fact that he relics upon the institutions that have done so 
much to continue to do what is required. AVe were unsuccessful in 
our attempt to see the Secretary of War ; the Department is at this 
time enveloped in contract expedients. Those who are unsuccessful 
talk largely of improper influences, and say things that are all Greek 
to us, but would seem to apply to the j^ast rather than to the 
present of that Department. The Secretary of the Navy we have 
been unable to confine to any point. He is seen in every direction, 
with papers, and doubtless full of important measures. We have 
tried to get him to a point, but the last time Ave have had a word 
with him he was seeking Mr. Aspinwall. Probably the Dejoartment 
are in want of some important supplies. 

The Secretary of State gave us his views as to the real inten- 
tions of the Administration, and they were up to the tone of New 
York. He rebuked with some feeling the indiscretion of some of 
us in our dispatches, but we cannot see that there has been any 
mortal wound inflicted. We are to see other gentlemen, make 
further inquiries, and endeavor to inform others and ourselves as to 
future action. The war is to be one of aggression on our part, and 
not to be interfered with by compromise ; the conflict will be hard and 
strong ; our Government has yet to grow to the importance of the 
battle ; small matters are to be thrust aside, and now and more 
serious efibrts and preparations are to take the place of the present 
style of action. There must be a different feeling from tbat which 
now exists among the members of the Cabinet itself, and the change 
must embrace a change of action at other points, which we do not 
feel at liberty to write. We will pursue our studies and our work 
until we find ourselves informed of the perfections and imperfections 
of the hour, so far as they exist here. 

Mr. Schuyler is here, and says he will do all he can to continue 
in our absence the inquiries and the same action in our behalf. 

We must be content to be useful, without much hope of being 
60 except when errors and omissions require our service. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servants, 

S. Draper, 
C. H. Marshall. 
To R. M. Blatchford, Esq. , 

Chairman pro tern. Union Defence Committee. 

P. S. — Since writing the foregoing, a short interview with the 
Secretary of the Navy has evinced the following. 

The Secretary admits a general want of supplies for the work 
11 



162 

before him, but says that there is to be no falling back in the action 
of the Government until secession and rebellion are driven from the 
land ; that the blockade will be thorough; all onr vessels, save two, 
one on the coast of Africa, and one in China, are ordered home; 
the Niagara is now ordered to the month of tlie Mississippi. Com- 
modore Stringham has sailed to the Chesapeake to take charge of 
the squadron, and tlience further South. More as we get it. 

S. Drapek, 
C. H. Marshall. 

Report of Special Committee to Washington 

New York, 11th May, 1861. 

That your Committee left here on Tuesday, and reached Wash- 
ington via Annapolis the same evening. 

On the following day, by appointment made for them by the 
Secretary of State, your Committee met the President and his 
Cabinet, all the members of which Avere present at tliis interview. 
Your Committee presented the resolutions Avhich were adopted by 
the Executive Committee, and they fully stated the objects of their 
appointment, the condition of the volunteer regiments organized 
and those in process of organization in this city. 

This elicited free and frank discussion on the part of all present. 
The President and his Cabinet, while conceding the propriety of 
adhering to the quota of troops assigned to the State of New York, 
yet viewing her peculiar position and the necessities of the case, 
after consulting with Lieutenant-General Scott, promptly and un- 
hesitatingly directed an order to be issued immediately for the ac- 
ceptance of fourteen additional regiments, to serve during the war, 
which should be selected by the Union Defence Committee of the 
city of New York, for immediate service. 

Your Committee have been deeply impressed with the assurances 
of the high appreciation in which the President, his Cabinet, and 
Lieutenant-General Scott, all hold the patriotic and valuable aid 
rendered to the country by the city of New York and her citizens 
in the organization of the Union Defence Committee, no higher 
evidence of which could be given than by thus delegating to this 
Committee the selection of the fourteen regiments. 

While in Washington yonr Committee, through the courtesy of 
the Secretary of War, were invited to be present with the Pi'esi- 
dent and the Cabhiet at a review of several of the volunteer regi- 
ments and to visit the camp grounds of the New York regiments. 



163 

It is with much pride and pleasure your Committee bear witness to 
their high state of discipline, their excellent health, as well as the 
zeal and patriotism they manifest in the service of the country. 

In closing the report of their visit to Washington, your Com- 
mittee take great pleasure in testifying to their cordial reception 
by the President of the United States, the members of his Cabi- 
net and Lieutenant-General Scott, all of whom were found to be 
actuated by a determination to respond to the universal desire of 
this community to have the existing war prosecuted in the most 
vigorous manner, both by land by sea ; and through its successful 
prosecution and early termination to establish the title of the Uni- 
ted States of America to the name of the "Great Republic," a title 
and a name thenceforth never again to be called in question at home 
or abroad; over the whole of Avhose domain the Stars and Stripes 
shall lloat as the sole and honored symbol of American nationality. 
All of Avhich is respectfully submitted. 

f Samuel Sloax, Chairman. 
E. M. Blatchford, 
Charles H. Russell, 
A. A. Low, 
A. C. Richards, 

J. J. ASTOR, 

R. 11. McCURDY, 

f S. Draper. 

Report of Special Committee to Washington 

New York, June 8, 1861. 

Mr. Sloan reported A'erbally that the deputation appointed on 
the 4tli instant to visit Washington had waited upon the President, 
and that the interview had been an agreeable one. At the request of 
the President the deputation had made some suggestions on the 
general management of the New York regiments, etc., which were 
favorably received by him, and are as follows : 

Memorandum of suggestions in respect to the New York State 
troops, presented at the request of the President of the United 
States. 

1st. They are in immediate want of additional clothing. 

2d. Experienced cooks are highly necessary for the comfort and 
health of the troops. Statistics proving the great value of proper 
arrangements in this respect are doubtless before the Government. 

3d. A great deficiency exists in the medical and surgical depart- 



164 

ment, and some definite arrangement should be made to complete 
the necessary supply. 

4th. Tents, wagons, ambulances, etc., are greatly needed by 
some of the regiments, and should be furnished by either the State 
or United States Government. 

5th. Provision should be made for the free and prompt trans- 
portation of articles of clothing, equipments, etc., from New York 
to the camps. Letters should be forwarded under the frank of an 
appointed officer of each regiment. 

6th. For the relief of the necessities of the families of the troops it 
is desirable some public assurance, by advertisement in the news- 
papers or some other way, should be made by Government, that 
the pay of all obligations to officers and men may be relied upon at 
stated periods, naming the places and time of payment. 

7th. Notwithstanding a considerable supply of arms remains un- 
appropriated in the armories of the United States, great difficulty 
exists in obtaining their prompt delivery, and some directions or 
arrangements are recommended by whicii they may be obtained 
through the Governor of the State, or some other source, without 
delay, in case they should be wanted in an emergency. 

In view of the fact that a large number of the troops called 
into service for three months will soon return to their homes, it 
seems of great importance that such arrangements should be made 
for their comfort as shall prevent the moral effect of their return 
being prejudicial to the interests of the country and discouraging 
to the future enlistment of troops in case such enlistment should 
be required. 



CORRESPONDENCE 



SELECTIONS 



CORRESPONDENCE 



Saturday Evening, Api-il 20, 1861. 
My Dear General : 

I am extremely obliged b}' the liberal response of the Committee 
of Merchants, and will avail myself of their kind ]n'oposal for 
further aid. 

I will, on Monday morning, make some further appeals on 
behalf of two other regiments I have ordered to embark on Tuesday, 
and in the mean time will ascertain the extent of their wants. 
I am, very truly, 

Your obedient servant, 

Charles W. Sandford. 
P. M. Wetmoke, Esq., Secretary. 



Commonwealth of Massachusetts 

Executive Department 

Council Chamber, 
Boston, April 22, 1861. 
Wm. M. Evarts, Esq., 

New York : 

We decided last Saturday to send F. B. Crowninshield to 
Europe in the Persia. He expects to be at the St. Nicholas, 
Tuesday p.m., certainly by Wednesday morning. 

We shall authorize $-250,000 worth of arms to be bought by him. 
He will co-operate with you. 

Ever yours, J. A. Andrew. 



168 

Arms for Kentucky 

Whereas the State of Kentucky (though strongly conservative 
and Union in sentiment by at least three-fourths of her people) is 
in great danger of being precipitated into secession by the action 
of her Executive authorities; the Governor having command of 
the militia, who have all the arms of the State, and he being under 
the control of John C. Breckenridge, and the said Governor and 
Breckenridge with other prominent secessionists having had secret 
conferences for several days in the city of Louisville; and the 
Governor having made application to the banks of the said city for 
a loan of $500,000 for the avowed purpose of arming the State, it 
is believed by many good and Union-loving citizens that this money 
and these arms are wanted and would be used by him for the pur- 
pose of effecting the secession of this State from the Union by over- 
awing the people who have no arms ; and many of the good and 
Union citizens of Louisville are now being formed into companies 
for protection against the disunionists. It is believed that if one 
thousand of them could be effectively armed they could stay and 
put a stop to secession, and prevent anarchy and civil war in our 
State. E. T. Bainbridge. 

April 22, 18G1. 

State of Kentucky, ) 
City of Louisville. f 

E. T. Bainbridge, an old and respectable citizen of Louisville, 
appeared before the undersigned, Mayor of the city of Louisville, 
and made oath that he believed the statements made above were 
true, and I myself fully concur with him. In testimony whereof 
I have affixed the seal of said cit}-. T. H. Crawford, Mayor. 

My acquaintance with Mr. Edmund T. Bainbridge is of nearly 

thirty years' standing. He is a gentleman of wealth and high social 

position, and as true and devoted to the Union as any man living. 

George D, Prentice, 

Editor Louisville Journal. 
April 22, 1861. 

We, the subscribers, liereby certify that we have long personally 
known the bearer, Mr. Edmund T. Bainbridge, and therefore 
identify him as being the person named in the annexed paper. 

John H. Swift. 

Archd. T. Finn. 

Levi A. Dowley. 
New Yobk, 21lh April, 1861. 



169 

Louisville, April 23d, 1861. 
I have known Mr. E. T. Bainbridge of this city for many years 
as a merchant and gentleman of good standing and high character, 
and to be a decided Union man, and I liave every reason to believe 
he remains firm and decided in his principles. 

James Guthrie. 



New York, April 27, 1861. 
General Dix. 
Dear Sir : 

Can you let me have one-half (say 750) of the Hall's breech- 
loading rifles with bayonets purchased from Syms & Bro. by Mr. 
Blunt ? 

Yours very respectfully, 

E. T. Bainbridge. 



Union Defence Committee op the Citizens op New Yokk, 

Oppice No. 30 Pine St., New York, April 30th, 1861. 

Confidential. 

To 

New Albany, Indiana. 
Dear Sir: 

Mr. E. T. Bainbridge has purchased and shipped to your care, 
with the consent of this Committee, a number of arms for the use 
of the city of Louisville. This consent on the part of the Com- 
mittee has been obtained by the representations of said Bainbridge- 
that he wanted said arms for the use of the Union men of Louis- 
ville, and by I'epresenting that he felt confident that they the said 
Union men of said city could prevent the secession of Kentucky 
with said arms, and he has agreed, with said Committee that should 
Kentucky secede before the reception of said arms, or that they 
are likely to fall into the hands of the enemies of the Union, you 
are to retain the same subject to my order. 

Kespectfully yours, 

John A. Dix, Chairman. 



Union Defence Committee, 30 April, 1861. 
Confidential. 
Mr. John W. J)]x. 

Sir: 
Proceed to New Albany and deliver the letter of introduction to 
Walton Mann, Esq. Ask him to consult confidentially with one 



170 

other reliable man in New Albany. The Union Defence Committee 
send on to the care of A. S. Burnet 800 stand of arms with ammu- 
nition for Mr. E. T. Bainbridge of Louisville, to be used to sustain 
the Union against the secessionists of Kentucky. The Committee 
have paid for thorn, and Mr. B. is to refund the money. We do not 
know Mr. Burnet, but have written the Mayor, whose name we do 
not know. We are Avilling to trust Mr. Bainbridge for the money. 
All we want to know is that the arms are to be used as suggested. 
Mr. Bainbridge brought us the most reliable testimonials. 

Let Mr. Mann see all the papers. Mr. Bainbridge had better be 
asked come to New Albany. Take his note for $11,470 as per 
accompanying memorandum, and if he desires it the note can be left 
with Mr. Mann till the arms are delivered. 

Respectfully yours, 

John a. Dix, Chairman. 



New Albany, Indiana, May 3, 1861. 
Hon. Johk A. Dix, 

Chairman, etc., N. Y. 

Sm : 

I arrived here last night. This morning I delivered my letter 
to Mr. Mann, who said, after he had looked over the other papers, 
"he did not like the looks of things." I then Avent with him to 
see a Mr. Brown, a prominent man here, and '*' entre nous " a 
particular friend of the Governor of Indiana. Mr. B. said at once 
that Qio goods should be allowed to pass through or even arrive at 
New Albany. Although not doubting the good faith of Mr. Bain- 
bridge or his entire devotion to the cause of the Union, Mr. Brown 
argued that it would be exceedingly imprudent to store the articles 
in question at this place ; that in case Kentucky should remain with 
us she would need no supplies until they could be furnished by the 
Government ; that in the event of her going out her Union men 
would be obliged to go with her, and nine-tenths of the supplies 
would be turned against the supporters of the Federal Government 
on this side of the river. In this view of the case Mr. Brown was 
fully sustained by Mr. Crawford, an elderly gentleman, a lawyer, 
and Judge Otto, a distinguished jurist of this city, as well as by 
Mr. Culbertson, a merchant. Mr. B. then introduced me to the 
Mayor, A. S. Burnet (an old friend of yours), who said that he had 
heard of this movement for the first time last flight from Mr. Bain- 
bridge himself, who had just returned, but that as the supplies were 
to be sent to his care he would store them, and deliver them to 



171 

Mr. Bainbridge when the proper time came ; but the Mayor was 
evidently much annoyed, and mentioned that he did not recommend 
Mr. Bainhridge to the Union Defence Committee, wliich does not 
agree precisely with wiiat yon stated to me. 

(An hour later.) The upshot of the matter is this, the citizens 
of New Albany have controlled the Mayor. He will, therefore, 
not allow the goods to come here. He has sent for Mr. Bain- 
bridge and will tell him so. I telegraphed you this a.m. "Ship 
no more.'' If any goods arrive here they will be shipped back to 
New York. If the railroad wants the freight paid here it will be 
done, and a draft made on you. I shall stop all the other goods at 
the furthest point East from here, at Cincinnati, or if i^ossible 
Cleveland. Tell Mr. Sloan to recall the cases sent. I telegraphed 
you so in my second dispatch. The Mayor has written the follow- 
ing letter : 

" Mb. J. Dix : I have been informed that certain guns 
have been shipped to my care for E. T. B. I take this 
opportunity to say that the shipment was made without my 
authority or consent. A. S.Burnet, Mayor." 

I have also a letter from several prominent men here protesting 
against the shipment of guns, etc., through New Albany. 

Telegraph me at the Burnet House, Cincinnati, and let me 
know where the goods are. Mr. Sloan I suppose though can take 
care of them now. (I shall come home as soon as I can.) 

Very respectfully, etc., 

John W. Dix. 

Mr. Bainbridsfe Avas sich and could not come over. 



New York, At the Hotel, 
24^/i April, 1861. 

My Dear Colonel : 

It is a happy thought that your military experience and tried 
patriotism sliould be enlisted at once at the head of a brigade. 

I doubt not your men would be enkindled like yourself to do 
great things. Pray persevere. But I am sure of you. Others, 
everybody must help. God bless you and our Country ! 

Ever yours, 

Charles Sumner. 

The Hon. E. P. Baker, 

Senator of the United States. 



172 

Union Defence Committee of the Citizens of New York, 
Office No. 30 Pine St., New Yobk, May 1, 1861. 
Dear Sir : 

Your letter of 30 ulto. is at hand. 

We have evidently been misled in regard to the Speedwell. 
The Peerless is undoubtedly a desirable vessel for us to secure. 
Will you either write or telegraph the best terms that can be 
obtained. 

Eespectfully yours, 

S. Draper, 

Chairman Ex. Com. U. D. C. 
.J. M. FoKBES, Esq. 



Union Defence Committee op the Citizens of New York, 
Office No. 30 Pine St., New York, May 2d, 1861. 

Major-General John E. Wool, 

U. S. Army. 
Dear Sir : 

The Union Defence Committee, deeply sensible of the advantage 
they have derived from your valuable counsel and hearty co-opera- 
tion in the discharge of their onerous duties, are desirous of express- 
ing to you in person their respect for your character as a citizen and 
their high appreciation of your distinguished services in the cause 
of your country. 

The Committee have instructed us to ask of you the favor to 
meet them at dinner at the St. Nicholas on some day convenient to 
yourself before your departure from the city. 

With cordial wishes that the Government may long continue to 
enjoy the benefit of your great experience and military sagacity^, 
We have the honor to remain, 

Eespectfully and faithfully yours, 

S. Draper, Vice-Cliairman, 
W. M. EvARTS, Secretary. 



AsTOB House, 
April 23. 
Dear Sir: 

I understand General Wool is authorized to purchase arms, and 
will give the necessary order. 

I will be happy to meet the Committee of twenty-six at any time 
and place they may name, and desire to meet them to-day. 

Yours truly, 

H. Hamlin. 
S. Draper, Esq. 



173 

Office of Clerk of Common Council, No. 8 City Hall, 

New Yokk, April 25t7i, 1861. 
Gentlemen : 

At a meeting of the Board of Aldermen held this p.m., the follow- 
ing preamble and resolution were adopted: 

Whereas, Numerous applications have been made to the mem- 
bers of this Board for information with reference to the provision 
to be made for the volunteers to be raised in this city, and 

Whereas, The sum of one million dollars has been appropriated, 
for the purpose of procuring the necessary equipment and outfits of 
the military force of the city of New York, to be disbursed by the 
" Union Defence Committee of the City of New York," therefore 

Resolved, That the "Union Defence Committee" aforesaid, be 
requested to communicate to the President of the Board of Alder- 
men, in writing, what provision, if any, they have made for recruit- 
ing, organizing, uniforming and equipping the several regiments of 
volunteers, now being formed and to be formed in this city, and 
when the uniforms, arms and equipments of said regiments will be 
ready, and also what portion of said sum of one million dollars is to 
be appropriated for the relief of the families of the volunteers ; and 
such other information as will acquaint the Common Council with 
the objects to which the said Committee have appropriated or in- 
tend to apply said moneys. 

Anticipating an early report from your Committee, the Board 

adjourned to meet to-morrow, 26th inst., at 5 o'clock p.m. 

Yours truly, 

D. T. Valentine, 

Clerh a C. 
To the Hon. John A. Dix, Esq., 

Chairman Union Defence Committee. 



New Yokk, April 26, 1861. 
Gentlemen : 

I was waited upon last evening by Ex-Aldermen Chrystie and 
Denman of the 16tli Ward, who informed me that they were part of 
a Sub-Committee appointed by a Committee of Citizens of the 16th 
Ward to collect money for the destitute families of those who had 
volunteered for the war. They also informed me that they had 
entered upon this duty, when the appropriation by the Common 
Council, in part for this purpose, of one million dollars brought them 
to a stand. They then requested me to offer their services in co- 
operation Avitli the Committee. I promised to call the attention of 
your Committee to this matter, and would suggest, as the duty of 



174 

providing for the destitute families of volunteers has been imposed 
upon your Committee, that, wherever there is a local organization 
charged Avith this business, a sum of money should be phiced in the 
hands of such organization for distribution. As I know it will be 
impossible for your Committee to attend to the details of such dis- 
tribution, or even to receive apj^lication for relief, I do not think 
that you could adopt a better plan than to transfer this duty to the 
Ward Committee Avhicli may be appointed, who will understand the 
wants to be supplied, and will adopt the most efficient and econom- 
ical way of applying them. 

Yours in great haste, 

W. F. Havemeyee. 
To Hon. John A. Dix, 

Chairman Union Defence Com. 



Union Defence Committee op the Citizens of New York, 

Office No. 30 Pine Street, New York, April 26, 1861. 

Gentlemen : I am sure that the best way to look after the 
suffering of families of soldiers, requiring relief, is to charge the 
Board of Commissioners of Charity and Correction with the respon- 
sibility. That Commission can, by doubling their force, do up the 
business better than any other organization, and with less expense 
to the country. 

The best way is to aj)proj)riate a certain sum of money to be held 

subject to tlieir order for the purpose referred to, requiring an 

account in detail from them in return. 

Yours, etc., 

S. Draper, Chairrnan. 
To Committee on Aid to Regiments. 



New York, April 26, 1861. 
Hon. Fernando Wood, 

Mayor of the City of Neiu York. 

fSiR : I liave to acknowledge receipt to 3'our commission this 
day, and to return you the thanks of this Committee for the 
generous proffer of the Governors Eoom for the joublic service. 
Should circumstances require the acceptance of your offer the 
Committee will not hesitate to make the fact known to you. 

The organization of the Committee for the discharge of its duties 
is now complete, and as soon as it can be published in a corrected 
form copies Avill be sent to your office, and the Committee will ask 
your personal co-operation in their daily operations under the trust 
confided to them. 



175 

The Committee desire to express the sense it entertains of the 
liberal spirit evinced by the city authorities in the existing 
emergency in public affairs. 

I am, very respectfully, yours, 

S. Draper, Chairman Ex. Com. 
P. M. Wetmoke, Secretary. 



New Yobk, April 37, 1861. 

Sir : I have come to aid the Government, and am going to 
Washington this p.m. I have two hundred and fifty Indians of my 
Nation, Chipways, who have requested me to proceed to AVashing- 
ton and get authority. 

Sir — I Avant $50 to get there. I have already expended 8C2 of 
my own money ; I go tliis p.m. Please answer. 

G. CopwAY, Chief Chiimay Nation. 
Genekal J. A. Dix. 



Western Virginia 

New Yoke, April 37, 1861. 
My Dear Sir : 

My appearance here from Washington at this time has been 
hastened by a great and important exigency bearing heavily 
upon the political future of Western Virginia, A movement 
of vast consequence is now being precipitated in that portion 
of Virginia west of the Alleghanies, which, if now rightly directed, 
will give to the nation a new State forever dedicated to freedom. 
AVhat is now required to be done here is simply a slight pecuniary 
aid, with the active co-operation of the friends of the movement in 
Virginia and at the North. 

The forces there are now being rallied for the purpose of forming 
a new State, and to cut themselves loose from the secessionists. 
It is a great enterprise, and you must aid in the movement all you 
can. I rely upon your accompanying me in person, that we mingle 
with the leading friends of the movement, and aid in giving 
such direction to the same, as our friends here shall consider con- 
clusive evidence that no fruitless victory shall have been achieved. 
Material aid is absolutely necessary ; about one thousand dollars is 
required immediately for the purpose of defraying necessary pre- 
liminary expenses, and a reserve fund of four thousand dollars to 
be arrans:ed for. 



176 

Gentlemen of well-known character and influential position will 
direct the disbursement of the funds, and not one dollar of the 
reserved fund will be called for until the new State organization 
has been fairly accomplished. 

Messrs. Carlisle, Dent, Jackson, Caldwell, Clements, and others 
of like force and character will direct the storm, the roaring of 
whose approach has already reached us here. 

Messrs. Carlisle and Dent, both of the late Virginia Conven- 
tion, Avho barely escaped from Kichmond Avitli their lives, will 
draw for the reserved fund at the proper time, and every possible 
assurance will be given that they shall be judiciously and faithfully 
applied. 

AVe will have tAvo Senators and five Congressmen ready by 
the convening of Congress on 4th July next. The organization of 
the new State will contribute more aid and power to the Union, and 
render greater moral force to the administration than would the 
raising and equipping of twenty military regiments. 

You will please attend to this matter immediately, the vast 
importance of which must strike your mind at once, as Ave must be 
ready to leave here by the middle of the ensuing Avcek without 
fail. 

There can be no enterprise of equal importance inaugurated 
just now on the American continent. 

Very truly, your friend, 

II. W. Latham. 

James Morss, Esq. 

New York, April 27, 1861. 
My Dear Sir : 

I address yon as one of the Committee of gentlemen who receive 
and distribute the Funds which may be collected for the benefit of 
the wives and children of absent soldiers. 

I beg to offer my theatre for ttvo nights, Friday and Saturday 
next, free of all charges, in Avhich every member of my establishment 
will heartily join and give their gratuitous services. 

The whole and entire benefits of the ?! wo nights as henefits for 
the Fund to be placed in hands of your Committee for the purposes 
intended. 

I sincerely hope that they may prove important. 

I meet my company on this subject to-night, and beg to know if 

my offer is accepted. 

Yours very truly, 

J. W. Wallack. 



177 

Union Defence Committee op the Citizens of New York, 

Office No. 30 Pine St., New York, April 29, 1861. 

James W. Wallace, Esq. 
Dear Sir : 

Your obliging commimicatiou of 27tli inst., addressed to Mr. 
Koyal Phelps, has been transmitted by that gentleman to the Ex- 
ecutive Committee. 

We perform a most agreeable duty in offering you the cordial 
thanks of the Committee for the generous proffer of your theatre 
and the services of the company connected with it for two nights in 
aid of the Citizens' Fund established for the benefit of the wives and 
children of absent soldiers. 

This is but another added to the many evidences heretofore given 
to the public, of the liberal, patriotic and warm-hearted spirit which 
actuates the members of a profession that you have adorned through 
a long career of duty and honor. 

It will aflFord us pleasure to act in any arrangements you may 
deem advisable for giving effect to your proposed performances on 
the evenings of Friday and Saturday. 

With respectful regard. 

We remain faithfully yours, 

John a. Dix, Chairman. 



P. M. Wetmore, Secretary. 



S. Draper, Chairman, 
Theodore Dehon, Treasurer, 



Department of State, 

Washington, May 3, 1861. 
Gentlemen : 

Please find and furnish five thousand stands of arms to the 
Union men of Kentucky, care of Hon. John J. Crittenden, Hon. 
James Guthrie, and Joshua F. Speed, Esq., or either of them, with- 
out delay. 

They will receive five thousand more from Pittsburgli, by order 
of the Government. 

Judge Burton, of Kentucky, bears this. 

Very truly yours, 

William H. Seward. 

The Union Defence Committee, 

R. M. Blatchford, etc., etc. 

21 



178 

Union Defence Committee of the Citizens of New York, 

Office No. 30 Pine Steeet, New York, May 3, 1861. 
Sir : 

The blockading squadron should know that from positive infor- 
mation we learn that a heavy shipment of arms is now expected at 
the Ports of Mobile and New Orleans from Belgium, ordered in 
behalf of the States of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Georgia. 
Tliey are not jet received, but are hourly expected, and are anxiously 
waited for by the Montgomery Government. There are fifty 
thousand stand in the contract alluded to. This information is 
positive. 

S. Draper, Chairman. 
Hon. Wm. H. Seward, 

Secretary of State. 

P. S. — The Governor of this State telegraphs Judge Advocate 
Walcott, of Ohio, acting for the Governor of Ohio (Dennison), 
that the Canadian Government refuses to supply arms to the States. 
He desires us to ascertain whether the National Government will not 
make an application in behalf of Ohio. S. D. 

Telegraph immediately, and charge Union Defence Com- 
mittee. 



New York, May 3, 1861. 
Dear Sir : 

I have received your note of yesterday's date, on behalf of the 
''Union Defence Committee," asking me to meet them at dinner 
before my departure from the city. 

I trust that you and the Committee will feel that I use no form 
of words in saying that it would have afforded me the greatest grati- 
fication to have had a social meeting with the generous and public- 
spirited members of the Committee whose exertions in their 
country's behalf I have witnessed, and in some degree shared. 
Recent occurrences, however, of Avhich you are apprised, and in 
consequence of which I return to my headquarters at Troy to- 
morrow, deprive me of this gratification. 

It is, however, due to myself as well as to the. Committee, in 
returning my sincere thanks for the invitation with which they 
have honored me, to add the expression of a hope that no such 
meeting is necessary to evince either our mutual confidence and 



179 

esteem, or that devotion to the country which, I trust, may alwaj'S 
characterize us. 

I have the honor to be, 

Very truly and respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

JoHX E. Wool, Major- General. 

To Messrs. S. Draper, Vice-Chairman. 

Wm. M. Evarts, Secretary, etc. 



Navy Yard, May Z, 1861. 
Sir : 

I have this moment received an order to dispatch the Niagara 
immediately oft' the harbor of Charleston, consequently she cannot 
take the troops and stores Avhicli were proposed to be put on board 
of her, or do more in the way of convoy than to see the Columbia to 
the Gapes, if she is ready to leave to-morrow at noon. 
Very respectfully, 

Yours, etc., etc., 

Samuel L. Breese, 

Comma7ider. 
S. Draper, Esq., New York. 



Department of State, 

Washington, May 4, 1861. 
Sir: 

I have to inform you that yesterday I transmitted to you, by 
telegraph or dispatch, asking if it would be proper to issue a pass- 
port to Edward G. Davies, and to-day, to same effect, in the cases 
of Frederick W. Center and Bernard Lemann, both of your city, 
the former applying through Mr. J. B. Nones, Not. Pub., and the 
latter through Messrs. Wood, Neibuhr & Co., 20 Pine Street. 

Mr. Davies is a resident of Boston, but may be heard of at the 
Brevoort House, New York. 

These gentlemen are all natives of professed seceding States, and 
the department cannot grant the required passports until assured of 
their loyalty to the Government. 
I am, sir, 

Your obedient servant, 

William H. Seward, 

Secretary. 
Hon. Simeon Draper, 
New York. 



180 

Albakt, May 6, 1861. 
Sir : 

Your dispatch for an order on Commissary-General Welch for 
five thousand stand of arms to he delivered immediately, and which 
I gave an order for promptly, has led me to suppose there may be 
something wrong in the dispatch, and that they may get into 
improper hands. I now say, don't let one leave the city or the arsenal 
without a governmental order, nor without the strongest possible 
ground. I shall look to you to protect the State. 

I send this by a special messenger. 

Yours, truly, 

E. D. MORGAK 
Gen. John A. Dix. 



New York, 6<A May, 1861. 
Gentlemen : 

At the request of Mr. Low, I have applied to Superintendent 
Kennedy of the Police to send a sample of the Secession uniforms, 
seized by the Police a short time since, to the Committee Eooms, 30 
Pine Street. 

The number in possession of the Police is reported at about 
twenty-two hundred, of good quality gray satinet, seams decorated 
with red or blue, with good, metal, raised buttons. 

The contractors have presented their claim for the surrender of 
the whole lot, on the ground that they were contracted for before 
the act of secession, and were not intended to be delivered, it is there- 
fore in the legal possession of the court, until the case shall be 
decided, but it is more than probable that the claimants would 
gladly compromise by a sale at very reduced price, in case possession 
cannot otherwise be obtained. 

Yours respectfully, 

W. Kemble. 
To the Chairman of the Union Defence Committee. 



State of Vermont, ExECUTrvE Department, 

EtJTLAND, May 7, 1861. 
My Dear Sir: 

Our first Vermou t regiment detailed from the Vermont uniformed 
militia under the requisition of the Secretary of War, is now in 
rendezvous at this place, fully armed, equipped, and furnished 
with every necessary appendage for service, and the men are im- 
patiently waiting orders from the Secretary of War to march. Con- 
sidering the condition of the military of Vermont, this regiment has 
been mustered and furnished with great dispatch within twelve 



181 

days from the time when I received the first telegraphic dispatch 
from the Secretary ; and within six days from the reception of the 
printed dispatch and letter, the regiment was in camp, and ready to 
march. I feel mnch solicitation in view of the delay of the Secre- 
tary in ordering us forward. Our whole community are enthusi- 
astic, and impatient of delay. 

You will have noticed that our Legislature at its late extra 
session made ample appropriations, and passed an act requiring me, 
without delay, to raise and organize two new regiments, and in my 
discretion four more, making seven in all. I suppose more than 
fifty volunteer companies, without authority of law, are now im- 
patiently waiting orders from me to be enlisted under the new act. 
The tv/enty companies, constituting the two first regiments, have 
already been designated, and I shall lose no time in equipping and 
arming them, and mustering them into barracks. 

But my first solicitude relates to the forwarding the first regi- 
ment now in camp. If this should be much longer delayed, the im- 
pression will be current that Vermont troops are not to be called 
into the U. S. Service, and the enthusiasm of our citizens will be 
thereby abated. 

I am, sir, respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

Erastus Fairbai^ks. 
Simeon Dkapek, Esq, 

I can be addressed at St. Johnsbury after Thursday next. 



Department of State, 

Washington, May 7, 18G1. 
Sir: 

I have to-day transmitted to you a dispatch by telegraph, asking 
if it .would be proper to issue a passport to Doctor Frederick Garke, 
of your city. ■ 

Doctor Garke is a native of the city of Charleston, S. C., and his 
application comes through Dr. Charles Nanz, No. 3 Chambers 
Street, New York. 

Be pleased to furnish the Department with the necessary infor- 
mation, if possible. 

I am, sir. 

Your obedient servant, 

William H. Seward. 
To Hon. Simeon Draper, 

New York. 



182 

State op New York, Executiye Department, 

Albany, May 9, 1861. 

To Simeon" Drapek, 

Chairman Executive Committee, etc., New York. 
Sir : 

I inclose herewith a copy of a resolution unanimously passed 
this evening, at a meeting of the State OflBcers constituting our 
Military Board, to which I beg to invite your early attention. 

I have the honor to be. 

Your obedient servant, 

E. D. MORGAIS-. 

/ "At a meeting of the State Officers named in an Act en- 

titled ' an Act to authorize the embodying and equipment of a 
Volunteer Militia, and to provide for the Public Defence,' 
passed the 16th day of April, 1861, held at the Executive Cham- 
ber, May 9th, 1861. On motion of the Attorney-General it 
was unanimously resolved, that the Governor be requested to 
communicate with the ' Union Safety Committee of New York 
City,' and request them to furnish him a statement of all the 
contracts for munitions of war of all kinds entered into by that 
Committee, and the names of the parties with whom contracts 
have been made." 

Certified as a true copy of the Minutes by 

J. H. LiNSLET, Secretary. 



Custom House, New York, 
Surveyor's Office (27 and 29 Pine Street), May 13, 1861. 
Sir: 

The Collector having referred to me your communication enclos- 
ing a letter from J. Carson Brevoort, Esq., in relation to a suspi- 
cious vessel in Jamaica Bay, I have to inform you that similar in- 
formation was communicated to me last evening, and that I imme- 
diately dispatched two officers of the Customs to that vessel with 
special instructions relative thereto. 

Very respectfully, your obt. servant, 

E. B. Hart, 

Surveyor. 
P. M. Wetmore, Esq., 

Secretary Union Defence Committee. 



183 

Missouri. 

New York, May 13, 1861, 

No. 1 Hanover Square. 
Hon". Hamiltok Fish, 

Chairtnan of Union Defence Committee : 
I have late and reliable information from St. Louis that the 
Union Volunteers have rendezvoused there to the number of about 
ten thousand, aud that their wants are most urgent and pressing, 
and that it is not only a patriotic duty but an act of charity to ren- 
der them immediate assistance. These troops are but partially 
equijDped and scantily clothed and fed ; and I fear that your Com- 
mittee do not fully appreciate the importance of prompt action. St. 
Louis is the only point in the Soutli where the friends of the Union 
have been in all their military movements in advance of the seces- 
sionists ; and their activity has imposed upon them excessive bur- 
dens, and I hope and trust that your Committee will this day ap- 
propriate not less than eight thousand dollars for their assistance, 
and also send a special messenger to Washington and lay the sub- 
ject before the Government. Without the assistance of your Com- 
mittee I cannot hope to raise more than two or three thousand 
dollars ; but I must perform my duty, and if possible get that small 
sum, if the Committee is not disposed to give any support. Impor- 
tant business compels me to leave the city to-day at 2.30 p.m., and 
on my return on Thursday, if your Committee would detail one of 
your members to accompany me in making collections, I feel san- 
guine that with the powerful name and influence of the Committee 
that fully ten thousand dollars could be obtained, and mostly from 
persons who have not contributed and would not otherwise contrib- 
ute to your Committee. I will make the suggestion of the propriety 
of anticipating collections for this special purpose by an immediate 
donation of eight thousand dollars, which will give relief at a 
period when it is most wanted, and before it is possible for the Gov- 
ernment to act, if it can act at all. Certainly this sum of money 
cannot be burdensome to your Committee, if contributions for this 
special purpose should fail. I feel confident that this appropriation 
can be made, if absolutely necessary, from some of the funds now in 
the hands of the Committee. You must excuse me for pressing 
this subject on your attention again, but I feel the importance of 
protecting a patriotic class of men who are making every possible 
eflfort to protect themselves. 

Yours respectfully, 

Isaac Sherman. 



184 

Headqtjabtees, Depaktment op the East, 

Troy, 15th May, 1861. 
My Dear General: 

I received at nine o'clock last evening your telegram, but could 
not approve because of the want of authority. From the rumors of 
the press, I am daily expecting orders to take command at Fort Mon- 
roe, which is under my command, beiug part of the Eastern Depart- 
ment now under my command, excepting districts temporarily taken 
from it. New York was also a part of my department. Hence I 
assumed the powers exercised in consequence of the danger threat- 
ened the Capital, and when no communication was had with it. 

I shall ever feel grateful to your noble, generous and patriotic 
Committee, who have done so much for the country, especially in 
saving Washington, at least for the time being, from the ravages of 
civil war. 

As soon as I receive orders I will inform you, also when I will be ■ 
in New York. 

Be pleased to present to the Union Defence Committee the most 
profound acknowledgments for the great interest manifested in my 
behalf, and for yourself, all you could wish, from your friend and 
ob'dt servt., 

JoHi^ E. Wool. 

To Gen. P. M. Wetmoee, 
> 30 Pine Street, N. Y. 



City of New York : Department of Finance, 

Comptroller's Office, May 18, 1861. 
"Hon. Hamilton Fish, ^ ^ 

Chairman Union Defence Committee. 
Sir: ^ 

For the information and government of the Committee, I would 
report that the total amount of Avari-ants drawn by this department 
on the appropriation of one million dollars, made by the Common 
Council, at the close of business last evening, was 1447,055.63. Of 
this sum $50,000 was paid to the Committee for aid to families of 
volunteers. Very respectfully, 

RoBT. T. Haws, 

Comptroller. 

Correspondence as to Forwarding of Troops 

Washington, May 13, 1861. 
Gentlemen : 

It is impossible for me to set down in writing 'the difSculties 
which attend the calling in and moving of troops. I wish that the 



185 

aGovernor ncl Military Board at Albany could fall into our plan of 
recruiting and sending forward the regiments. 

Hej'e the difficulties that exist in New York are multiplied by 
similar experiences in all the States. 

I am active in trying to get all the troops ordered, accepted and 
moved forward. The prospect is better to-day. 

Very truly yours, 

William H. Se"v\'ard. 

The Union Defence Committee. 

•^ P. S. — The formation of Second Eegiment N. Y. Firemen meets 

our approval; send them on if you can. 

W. H. S. 



Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad Company, 

Philadelphia, May 16, 1861. 

I see that General Cameron has ordered the Seventy-ninth Kegi- 
ment from New York to Washington via Harrisburg and York or 
by sea. 

The direct route through Baltimore from here, which I repre- 
sent, is and has been since Monday in order and running regularly. 
The route via Harrisburg is some seventy-five miles out of the way. 
Can you tell me why troops are ordered away from the direct route ? 

We have endeavored to do our duty and cannot account for Gen- 
eral Cameron's course towards us. He has even ordered troops 
from here to Washington via Harrisburg — a distance of ninety- 
three miles out of their way — and that notwithstanding he knew 
our road w^as in operation. General Cameron is a very large stock- 
holder in the route via Harrisburg, but we don't like to think that 
the power of his public office is to be directed to promote his private 
interests, a conclusion we must arrive at, unless his course in the 
transportation of troops is materially changed. 

Yours truly, 

S. M. Felton". 
Hon. Simeon Draper. 



Private. Washington, D. C, May 16, 1861. . 

Mt Dear Sir : 

Learning to-day from Gov. Seward that the order you have for 
forwarding the fourteen regiments has something in it for the Gov- 
ernor to do in the case, I am alarmed, lest a see-saioing commences, 
by which neither your troops nor the Governor's will get along in 
any reasonable time. Now, I want you to cut the knots, and send 



186 

them right along, five regiments here, and nine to Fort Monroe, 
just as understood when we parted. Yours very truly, 

A. LiNCOLIT. 
C. H. Russell, Esq. 

Union Defence Committee of the Citizens op New York. 
Office No. 30 Pine Street, New York, May 18, 1861. 

My Dear Sir : 

I have the honor to acknowledge tlie receipt of your note of the 
16th inst., and am requested by this Committee to say in reply that 
the instructions you so promptly accorded to our request, that this 
Committee should be authorized to send forward fourteen regiments 
immediately, will, as you now again command, be fully carried out ; 
five of the regiments to be sent to Washington and nine to Fortress 
Monroe, with all the dispatch possible. 

I am, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

C. H. EUSSELL. 

His Excellency A. Lincoln, President. 

P. S. 3 P.M. — To further guard against the possibilities of mis- 
takes on the part of Governor Morgan, this Committee has just sent 
a telegram to the Hon. Secretary of War, of which I think it proper 
to enclose to you a copy. 



New York, May 18, 1861. 
Hon, Simon Cameron, Secretary of War. 

Telegram. In your orders to Governor Morgan have you not for- 
gotten to add the concluding words of your order to our Committee, 
viz. : " The fourteen regiments are to be selected by the Union 
Defence Committee of New York ? " We are carrying out your 
order to us strictly and rapidly. We ask the above question because 
we hear that the Governor is going to send five regiments to 
Washington and nine to Fort Monroe. 

S. Draper, 

Chair-man Ex. Com. 
Hon, Simon Cameron, Secretary of War. 

War Department, May 18, 1861, 
Hon. Hamilton Fish, 

Chairman Union Defence Committee of New YorTc. 
The President has instructed me to say that the order for the 
fourteen regiments from the State of New York, made the 15th day 



187 

of May, A.D. 1861, included the brigade of five regiments com- 
manded by Genl. D. E. Sickles?. Yours truly, 

Simon Camekon, 

^ecUj of War. 



With Governor Morgmi 

New York, May 19th, 1861. 
His Excellency E. D. Moegan, 

Governor, etc., etc. 

Sir : The President of the United States was pleased to issue an 
order, authorizing this Committee to select fourteen regiments, of 
tlioso organized or in process of organization, in or in the neiglibor- 
hood of this city, and to forward the same to Washington. These 
fourteen regiments were by tlie order to be in addition to the thirty- 
eight regiments, for which requisition had previously been made on 
your Excellency. The Committee, in pursuance of this authority, 
have already designated the Fourteenth., Ninth, Seventeenth and 
Second. Of these the Fourteenth has already been moved forward 
and the others are ready to move. 

The Committee learn this moment from Major-General Sanford, 
that this action is deemed to interfere with your authority, and they 
take the earliest moment to assure you that nothing has been 
further from their intention or will. They desire in this as in all 
other matters to act in conformity with the wishes and the regula- 
tions of the constituted authorities, and especially with those of the 
Commander in Chief of their own State. 

The Sub-Committee of this body, which visited Washington, 
understood from the President that the authority given them would 
not be in conflict with the powers and duties of the State Gov- 
ernment; and in their earnest desire to expedite the movement 
of the troops, and to advance the public interests and safety, 
they would regret to learn that there had been any infringe- 
ment upon the courtesy due to the Chief Magistrate of the 
State. 

I have the honor to be, 

Very respectfully. 

Your Excellency's obedient servant, 

Hamilton Fish, Chairman. 



188 

AsTOR House, New York, 26^^ May, 1861. 
To 'Ro^. Hamilton Fish, 

Chairman Union Defence Committee. 
Gentlemen : 

Having been advised by the President of the United States, as 
also by Colonel Franklin, of the Twelfth Infantry, U.S.A., specially 
commissioned by the War Department to arrange and settle all 
questions connected with the movement of troops in the State of 
New York, that fourteen regiments tendered by the Union Defence 
Committee to the President were accepted by him on the 15th 
instant, with the understanding that they were ready to go forward, 
and that he really wishes me to commission any part of such four- 
teen regiments as are ready to go forward, and desirous of carrying 
into effect the wishes of the President, I beg to say that if the 9th 
and 79th Regiments, N.Y.S.M., desired to muster into the United 
States service for the three years, unless sooner discharged, I will, 
when so mustered, give authority for them to leave the State, and 
issue the necessary commissions. 

If you have four regiments organized under U. S, General 
Orders No. 15, and wish me to appoint and commission the oflEicers 
of such regiments, it will be necessary to present the men for a 
medical inspection by one or more State surgeons in the mode 
adopted at the New York Depot for the surgical examination of the 
regiments organized under the Act of April 16, 1861. 

Upon the certificate of the mustering officer, Avho will make the 
examination with the State surgeon, that the regiments are entitled 
to an organization, and on filing authenticated copies of the 
Company and Field and Staff Muster Rolls in the office of the 
Adjutant-General of this State, I will make the necessary appoint- 
ments, and issue the commissions. 

It must, however, be understood that these regiments are not to 
include any persons who are enrolled in any of the thirty-eight regi- 
ments now organized, or any who have been heretofore rejected by the 
medical or inspecting officers. I am, with much regard. 

Your obedient servant, 

E. D. MOEGAN. 



Albany, May 28, 1861. Ti 
Telegram. I cannot consent to the departure of the Garibaldi 
Guard until after they are mustered into the service of the United 
States for three years. Keyes' headquarters at the arsenal. 

E. D. MOKGAN. 
Messrs, Hamtltok Pish, J. J, Astob and Samuel Sloan. 



189 

New York, May 28, 1861. 
To His Excellency E. D. Morgan, 

Governor. 
Dear Sir : 

Upon our return home last evening, we found that the Ninth 
Kegiment had, during the day, been sent forward without having 
been mustered into the service of the United States, in accordance 
with your instruction. 

The occasion and circumstances which had induced this 
movement (in omission of a very proper requirement on your 
part, and one which the Committee, as well as ourselves, are 
prepared fully to recognize and to approve) will, we trust, be 
received by you as a justification of this disregard of your instruc- 
tions. 

We beg to assure you that while the Executive Committee 
acted in this matter under a sense of urgent necessity, it was 
done without the slightest knowledge or suspicion on the part 
of the undersigned, that any troops would or could be for- 
warded yesterday ; it was wholly without premeditation and the 
result of circumstances suddenly presenting themselves, and we are 
authorized to say that the Committee regret that any, either real 
or seeming necessity should have induced the movement without a 
strict compliance with your wishes. 

They desire us to assure you that with regard to the other 
regiments your orders to General Hall and to Lieutenant-Colonel 
Keyes have been delivered and will be observed, and they trust that 
the occurrence with regard to the Ninth Eegiment will not be allowed 
to disturb the friendly and confidential relations which they hope 
do, and will continue to exist between the Governor and the Com- 
mittee. 

Permit us to add that the report of our interview of yester- 
day with you was received with tlie warmest feelings of kind- 
ness, and a resolution was adopted Avhich Avill be duly certified 
and transmitted to you by the Secretary of the Executive Com- 
mittee. 

We are, dear sir, with great respect, 

Your obedient servants, 

Hamilton Fish, 
J. J. Astor, Jr., 
Sam. Sloan. 



190 

Albany, May 29, 1864. 
Gentlemen : 

I have received your favor of the 28th instant, in which you 
refer particularly to the non-compliance of the Ninth Eegiment in its 
instructions, the propriety and necessity of which cannot be doubted, 
I think. 

As matters ai*e now situated, we can only hope for the best, and 
labor in the future to prevent anything being done, which will tend 
to further embarrass the public service. 

I beg to renew to you my high regard, and 

I am, very truly, 

E. D. MoeCtAN. 
To Hon. Hamilton Fish, and 

Messrs. J. J. AsTOR, Jr. , and 

Samuel Sloan, Committee, New York. 



Albany, 3Iay 29, 1861. 
Deae Sir : 

In acknowledging the receipt of your favor of yesterday's date, I 
can only say that if the Garibaldi Guard will muster into the service 
of the General Government for three years, after reaching Washing- 
ton, the irregularities attending their departure from New York 
must be overlooked. 

The chief embarrassment connected with this regiment will then 
be the diflBculty of appointing and commissioning the company and 
regimental officers. 

I am, with great respect, yours, 

E. D. Morgan. 
To John J. Astor, Esq., 

Chairman, etc., etc., New York. 



Albany, May 29, 1861. 
Telegram. The following is a copy of a dispatch this moment 
received by me from Judge Advocate-General Anthon, under date 
of Washington, May 38. Four hundred men of the Second Eegi- 
ment were mustered this afternoon for the war. Three hundred 
and fifty refused. The 9th Eegiment arrived without orders and 
without arms; what shall be done with them? 

E. D. Morgan. 
To Hamilton Fish, Chairman, etc. 



191 

HEADQtTAETERS DEPARTMENT OF VlRGrNIA, 

June 8. 1861. 
To the Union Defence Committee, Neio York City. 

Gentlemen : 

I observe by the newspapers that you have sent a large number 
of cavalry horses to Washington. 

In my movements in this department I am often annoyed by 
small scouting parties of the enemy, mounted men, who run when- 
ever ours approach. If I had even a small troop of light liorsemen, I 
could easily disembarrass myself of these gentry. I could also em- 
ploy such a force in most important duties of reconnoitering and 
skirmishing. In fact, a larger or smaller troop of Chasseurs a 
cheval is almost essential to my advance, in due time. 

I merely take the liberty of stating my want to you in this in- 
formal manner. If you can send me fifty or more horses with regu- 
lation saddles, bridles, spurs and equipment complete, I can make 
them of great service in increasing the efiiciency of my division, 
composed in great part, as you are aware, of New York troops. I 
can mount the horses with men who will give a good account of 
themselves. I have the honor to be. 
Gentlemen, 

Your most obedient servant, 
Benj. F. Butler, 

Maj.-Genl. Com^d^g. 
By Geo. Winthrop, 

Acting Mil. Sec. and Aide de Camp. 



Reimbursement of Expenditures 

Union Defence Committee of the Citizens op New York, 

Office No. 30 Fine Street, New York, December ^\st, 1861. 

Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretarij of War, Washington. 

Sir : It becomes the duty of the undersigned to present for your 
consideration tlie question of reimbursing expenditures made by 
this Committee in the organization, outfit and subsistence of 
volunteers. 

To a proper understanding of this case, it may be necessary to 
recur to the origin of the power exercised and the source of the means 
employed by the Committee in efforts to aid the Government of the 
country in a critical emergency. 

In the month of April last, by the joint action of a Committee of 
merchants from the Chamber of Commerce and another appointed 
at a mass meeting of citizens, energetic measures were adopted to 



192 

obtain means necessary for fitting out and dispatching regiments of 
volunteers for the defence of the national capital, under the call of 
the President. 

The two Committees having united in an organization under the 
name of the Union Defence Committee, the government of the city 
of New York, by a munificent act of patriotic legislation, created 
a fund amounting to a million dollars, Avhich Avas placed under 
the control of the Committee to be used " in aid of the defence of the 
National Union." 

This fund was provided from an issue of bonds on the credit of 
the Corporation of the City of New York, for the payment of which 
the faith of the city was pledged, and also "all sums which may 
hereafter be received from the State of New York, or the United 
States, for the purpose of reimbursing the expenses incurred in 
pursuance of the ordinance." 

The money thus provided was accepted as a sacred trust by the 
Union Defence Committee, to be applied to two objects: First, 
to organize and provide all essential outfits for regiments of volun- 
teers; and secondly, to aid the families of soldiers thus enlisted into 
the public service. 

The expenditures in aid of the families of soldiers, amounting to 
twenty-three per centum of the whole fund, has been treated both by 
the city and the Committee as a free gift to the cause of the coun- 
try. No more cflTectual bounty to hasten enlistments could have 
been provided. Such a beneficent act could not fail to stimulate 
the popular feeling and induce volunteers to rally to the standard 
of a Government which took under its benevolent care the families 
of soldiers in the field. 

The remaining portion of the fund has been used to defray the 
expenses of " collecting, drilling, and organizing volunteers." These 
expenses, so far as they come within the regulations of the army, 
the Committee believe to be a just charge upon the funds provided 
by Congress for the reimbursement of expenditures in aid of 
volunteers. 

The advances made by the Committee have never been con- 
sidered or treated in any other sense than as a loan to the Govern- 
ment, to be reimbursed whenever the Department should be pre- 
pared to meet similar demands. 

No encouragement of any kind has ever been held out to the 
volunteers or the Government that the money thus applied should 
be regarded in the light of a bounty to the one, or a free grant to the 
other. 



193 

The action of the Committee, in the discharge of an onerous 
public duty, has been disinterested, and devoted to the single pur- 
pose of rendering all the aid in their power to the public cause. 
With this view they have acted freely and cordially in concert Avith 
the officers of the Government in promoting the public good. Much 
labor and many thousands of dollars have been thus expended, for 
which no compensation or reimbursement will be asked or can be 
received. 

But the question of urging payment for advances made in good 
faith out of a trust fund, the property of the citizens of 'New York, 
is a matter of conscientious duty imperative upon the Committee, 
and they feel justified, therefore, in pressing it upon your attention. 

After public announcement that funds had been provided and 
placed in the hands of the mustering officer at this post for the pay- 
ment of similar demands, the Committee caused a portion of their 
claims to be stated and placed before that officer for settlement. 
This was done after repeated interviews, a frank expression of 
opinion on his part, and upon printed forms approved by him. 

Herewith Avill be found copy of a communication addressed to 
General D. B. Sackett, Mustei'ing Officer, under date of the 22d 
ultimo. To this communication a reply was received to the effect 
that the papers must be transmitted for the approval of the Adjutant- 
General before payment could be made. This course was taken, 
and a reply has been received from Assistant Adjutant-General 
George D. Euggles, addressed to Lieut.-Col. W. A. Nichols, Muster- 
ing Officer, and by him referred to this office. A copy will accom- 
pany this, together Avith the reply thereto. 

The undersigned Avill take leave also to transmit for the con- 
sideration of the Department a copy of a telegram received by the 
Chairman of the Executive Committee from the Secretary of "War, 
which is deemed to be strictly in point, as under that paper an 
advance Avas made to a regiment then in process of organization. 

Apparently there is no distinction whatever betAveen the char- 
acter and merits of claims Avhich the undersigned have reason to 
believe are daily considered and paid by the mustering officer and 
those submitted on behalf of this Committee and now brought to 
the notice of the Department. 

In principle, purpose, term, form and equity they are iden- 
tical. The only real difference is to be found in the authority 
Avhicli submits them to the action of the Mustering Officer. In the 
one case the claim is presented by a party interested in the profits 
of the transaction ; in the other it appears in the hands of a dis- 
13 



194 

interested friend of the Governinent, who at a critical period volun- 
tarily made advances of money to aid in organizing an army for 
which adequate means had not been provided by the constituted 
authorities. 

The Committee are anxious to terminate their labors by sub- 
mitting their final report to their constituents. This cannot be 
done until their claims for these advances are adjusted. They con- 
fidently rely, therefore, upon the justice and courtesy of the Secre- 
tary of War for early action in the premises. 
With sentiments of the highest respect, 

Your obedient servants, 
S. Deaper, Hamilton Fish, 

Chairman Ex. Com. Chairman U. D. C. 

Prosper M. Wetmore, A. A. Low, 

Secretary Executive Committee. Treasurer U. D. C. 

Robert T. Haavs, William M. Evarts, 

Comptroller. Secretary. 



Communications Appended. 

Union Defence Committee of the Citizens of New York, 

Office No. 30 Pine Street, New York, November 22, 1861. 

Executive Committee. 

General : We transmit herewith a selection of duly authen- 
ticated vouchers for advances made to Volunteer Regiments from this 
State, now in the service of the United States. The vouchers sub- 
mitted at this time, ten in number, amounting in the aggregate to 
five thousand seven hundred and eighty-six 37-100 dollars, comprise 
advances made to the De Kalb Regiment, Colonel L. Von Gilsa, for 
its subsistence while in progress of organization. 

Similar claims will be submitted from time to time for advances 
made to other Volunteer regiments organized in this city. 

In reply to your inquiry as to the maximum amount of claims 
on your Department, we have to say that the accounts are numer- 
ous, and comprise expenditures under the various heads of sub- 
sistence, outfit, equipment, and arms. 

We are of opinion that the amount comprised under the head of 
subsistence will not exceed the sum of seventy-five thousand dollars. 

These advances have been made, not from any benevolent fund 
in the form of gratuitous bounty, but from the public treasury of 
this city, as a means of facilitating the operations of recruiting 
regiments of Volunteers. When reimbursed by the War Depart- 



195 

ment, this money will return to the city treasury, in conformity with 
the act which created the fund. 

We do not doubt that the propriety and justice of reimbursing 
these claims will be too apparent to need any argument beyond the 
mere statement of the facts. 

We are respectfully, 

Your obedient servants, 

A. A. Low, Treasurer U. D. C. 

P. M. Wetmore, Secretary Ex. Com. 

General D. B. Sackett, etc., etc., etc., Neio York. 



General Headquarters State of New York, 
Adjutant-General's Office, Albany, December 10, 1861. 

Hon. SiMEOisr Draper, 

Chairman Union Defence Committee, New York. 
Sir: The operations of the Union Defence Committee have em- 
braced the arming, equipment, and preparing for active service 
several of the New York volunteer regiments noAV in the field. 

It seems to me to be proper that your patriotic and timely 
efforts should be appropriately noticed in the report to be made to 
the Legislature from this Department. 

I have, therefore, to request yon will at as early a day as pos- 
sible, furnish me with a list of the regiments sent off under the 
auspices of the Committee, with such information respecting the 
clothing, arming, and equipment of each regiment as you may be 
able to give. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

Thomas Hillhouse, 

Adjt. Gen'l 

Union Defence Committee, 
Executive Committee, New York, December 16, 1861. 

General: I am instructed to acknowledge the courtesy which 
dictated your communication addressed to the Vice-Chairman under 
date 10th instant, which was received in his absence. The Union 
Defence Committee was the creation of the citizens of New York in 
mass meeting assembled on the 20th day of April last, and its mem- 
bers entered upon tiic discharge of its onerous duties with an 



196 

earnest desire to do all in their power to aid '' the movements of 
the Government as the public interests might require." 

Eecognizing the supreme authority of the State Government in 
the organization of volunteer regiments, and appreciating fully the 
zeal and public spirit of the Executive Magistrate in the discharge 
of his official obligations, the Committee have only sought to fulfil 
a subordinate duty in fitting out and facilitating the progress of 
regiments to the seat of war. 

With the exception of four regiments hereinafter named, the 
action of the Committee had reference to the militia and volunteer 
corps accepted by the War Department as the State quota ; and it 
is proper to say that in many instances the aid afforded was ex- 
ceedingly limited in amount, and extended only to the furnishing of 
flags, or supplying some slight deficiency of outfit to officers or men. 

Of the whole number of regiments from the State of New York 
placed in the field under the call of the President of the United 
States, this Committee have aided in some degree sixty-six. 

This number embraces most of the militia regiments which 
entered for the short term of service under the first call, and a por- 
tion of the volunteer regiments enlisted for the war. 

Four regiments were organized, uniformed and completely 
equipped by the Committee, namely : The Garibaldi Guard, Colonel 
D'Utassy; the Mozart Eegiment, Col. Eiley ; the De Kalb Eegiment, 
Col. Von Gilsa; and the Tammany Eegiment, Col. Kennedy. These 
are now known on the State rolls as the 39th, 40th, 41st and 42d 
Eegiments of the IST. Y. S. Volunteers. 

In addition to the four regiments above-named as having 
been exclusively provided for by the Committee, the following are 
among the number which received effectual aid in their organiza- 
tion : 

Of the Militia. 

Second Eegiment Col. Tompkins. 

Fifth Eegiment " Schwarzwaelder. 

Sixth Eegiment " Pinckney. 

Seventh Eegiment " Lefferts. 

Eighth Eegiment '' Lyons. 

Ninth Eegiment " Styles. 

Twelfth Eegiment " Buttcrfield. 

Sixty-ninth Eegiment " Corcoran. 

Seventy-first Eegiment " Martin. 

Seventy-ninth Eegiment Lt.-Col. Elliot. 



197 

Or THE Volunteers. 

First liegiment Col. Allen. 

Fourth Eegiment " Taylor. 

Fifth Regiment " Duryee. 

Seventh Regiment " Bendix. 

Eighth Regiment " Blenker. 

Ninth Regiment '' Hawkins. 

Tenth Regiment *' McOhesney. 

Eleventh Regiment " Ellsworth. 

Fifteenth Regiment '' Murphy. 

Twentieth Regiment '^ Weber. 

Twenty-fifth Regiment '*' Kerrigan. 

Thirty-first Regiment '*■ Pratt. 

Thirty-sixth Regiment '' Innis. 

Thirty-eighth Regiment " Ward. 

Excelsior Regiment " Sickles. 

To the regiments not named in tlie above list the sums appro- 
priated Avere less than three thousand dollars in each case. 

The average cost of the entire outfit and equipment of the four 
regiments accepted by the War Department under the order of the 
15th of May last, and sent forth under the auspices of the Commit- 
tee, exclusive of arms, but including rations for the whole period 
occupied in tlie organization, was about fifty-three thousand dollars. 

The uniforms were selected by the commanding oflEicers, but the 
contracts or purchases were in each instance made under the direc- 
tion of a Select Committee, and it is believed that the outfit and 
equipment of each were as complete as could bo made under ihb 
circumstances. 

The expenditures of the Committee Avere commenced from a fund 
provided by the voluntary contribution of the citizens of New York. 
This fund was almost immediately enlarged by the munificent grant 
of a million of dollars by the city of New York. Out of this fund the 
sura of two hundred and thirty thousand dollars was appropriated 
and disbursed under the direction of a Select Committee, in weekly 
payments, to the families of volunteers in the field. 

The Committee look to the Government of the United States for 
the reimbursement of such advances to regiments of volunteers as 
come properly within the regulations of the army, and the proceeds 
of such reimbursements are to be applied to the redemption of 
the stock issued by the city to create the fund. 



198 

The Committ'-ee have the satisfaction of adding, that they have 
ah'eady provided for tlie redemption of nearly seventy thousand dol- 
lars of City Bonds from the 2:)roceeds of arms, etc., sold to the War 
Department. 

The Committee refer to their several reports made to the Com- 
mon Council from time to time, printed copies of which have been 
addressed to the Adjutant-General's Office, and to the accompany- 
ing table [omitted here], which purports to give the entire list of 
regiments forming the quota of the State of New York, and indicates 
those with which the Committee have had transactions, embracing 
alike the largest and smallest in amount. 

The citizens of New York can scarcely fail to feel grateful for 
the opportunity afforded them of aiding so effectually in the noble 
efforts made by the State for the support of the Constitution and 
laws of the country. 

With high respect. 

Your obedient servant, 

Peosper M. Wetmore, 

Secretary Executive Committee. 
(Approved) S. Draper, 

Chairman Executive Committee. 

Brigadier-General Thomas Hn^LHousE, 

Adjutant-General, Albany, N. T. 



Adjutant-Genekaxi's Office, Washington, Dec. 17, 1861. 

Lieut. -Colonel W. A. Nichols, 

Mustering Officer, 

79 White Street, New York. 
Colonel: 

In reply to the letter of Colonel Sackett, addressed to this de- 
partment, November 22d, relating to bills presented by the " Union 
Defence Committee," I am directed to say that no accounts of this 
kind can be paid from the appropriation for " collecting, drilling 
and organizing volunteers." Such accounts should be presented to 
the Secretary of the Treasury'- for such action as may be determined 
on by him. 

I am. Colonel, very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

Geo. D. Euggles, 
Asst. Adjutant-General. 



199 

Union Defence Committee of the Citizens of New York, 

Office No. 30 Pine Stkeet, New York, Dec. 30, 1861. 

Executive Committee. 

Lieut. -Colonel W. A. Nichols, U. S. A., 

Mustering Officer, etc. 

SiE: I have to acknowledge your note of the 19th inst., 
covering copy of an official communication from the Adjutant- 
General's Office, under date 17tli inst., in reply to one from Colonel 
Sackett, the 22d of November, in Avhich had been transmitted for 
the approval of the Adjutant-General, certain claims for advances 
made by this Committee in aid of the movements of the "War 
Department "for expenses of collecting, drilling and organizing 
volunteers." 

I am instructed to say that the Committee have noticed Avitli no 
little surprise the expression of an opinion from the Adjutant-Gen- 
eral's Department, in relation to bills presented by the Union De- 
fence Committee, " That no accounts of this hind can he paid 
from the appropriation for 'collecting, drilling and organizing 
volunteers.^ " 

The Committee having, from necessity, become somewhat 
familiar with the course of business devolved by the Adjutant-Gen- 
eral on tlie Mustering Officer at this post, ai'e quite confident tliat 
the daily practice of the office is to pay accounts precisely '"'of this 
kind," and also, that the funds are provided for tliat purpose from 
the approj)riation named. 

With all respect for the better judgment of the Adjutant-Gen- 
ral, the Committee are inclined to adopt his suggestion of a new 
tribunal for decision on this case. 

All the transactions of the Committee have been had with the 
^Yar Department; expenditures have been incurred within its 
knowledge, and payments for "collecting, drilling and organizing 
volunteers " have been made, under the express written sanction of the 
head of that department. It is not, therefore, deemed either advisable 
or proper at this time to look for reimbui'sement of moneys expended 
in good faith, and under such circumstances, in aid of the War 
Department, to any other branch of the Government. 

I respectfully ask that this note, or a copy thereof, may be trans- 
mitted to the x\djutant-Generars office. 

I remain, your obedient servant, 

P. M. Wetmore, 

Secretary, 
Ex. Com. Union Defence Committee. 



200 

Washington, August 22, 1861. 
Telegram. 

The Mustering Officer has full authority to draw for money to 
pay for expenses of collecting, drilling and organizing volunteers. 
Tell Col. Dunham. 

SiMON" Cameron-, 

&ecretar]) of War, 



Union Defenck Committee, 

New York, January 25, 1862. 
Hon. p. a. Porter, 

House of Assembly, Albany. 

Sir : The undersigned have great pleasure in furnishing the 
information desired by you as a member of the House of Assem- 
bly, in a personal interview with their Secretary on the 24tli 
instant. 

The Union Defence Committee was appointed at a mass meeting 
of the citizens of New York held on the '^Oth of April, 1861. The 
duties confided to the Committee, by resolution of the meeting, 
were declared to be " to represent the citizens in the collection of 
funds, and the transaction of such other business in aid of the move- 
ments of the Government as the public interest may require." 

On the 25th of the same month the Common Council of the 
City of New York, with the approval of the Mayor, adopted an ordi- 
nance "making an appropriation in aid of the National Union, and 
authorizing the borrowing of money for that purpose. The appro- 
priation was declared to be " for the purpose of procuring the neces- 
sary equipments and outfits of the military force of the city of New 
York now engaged, or which may hereafter be engaged in the serv- 
ice of the State of New York, in pursuance of the requisition of the 
President of the United States, and to provide for the aid or sup- 
port of the families of such of the officers and men so engaged as 
may require the same." 

The Committee was organized, and the members entered upon 
their duties without delay. The names of the several officers and 
the arrangement of Select Committees for the efficient transaction 
of business will be found by reference to the printed reports trans- 
mitted herewith. 

Acting in concert Avith the representatives of the Municipal au- 
thorities, and having the control of a fund created by them, the Com- 
mittee considered it an incumbent duty to make reports to the 
Common Council, from time to time, of the progress of their labors. 
These reports, bearing date respectively the 20th of May, the 29th 



r 

201 

of June, the 21st of August, and the 31st of August, have been 
printed by order of the Common Council, and a copy of the same 
accompanies this report. 

By reference to the table contained in the report of the 2Lst of 
August [Doc. 18, pages 54, 56], it will appear that from the fund 
created by the ordinance, amounting to one million of dollars, there 
had been appropriated and paid the folloAving sums, namely : 

To the regiments of New York State Militia, the gross 

amount $157,330 07 

To twenty-five regiments of New York Volunteers. . . 349,840 23 

To fourteen regiments of Volunteers (incomplete) . . . 24,947 77 

Total am't expended on forty-nine organizations $532,130 97 
Amount expended for arms and munitions of war. . . 226,589 27 

Total military expenditures $758, 720 24 

Amount appropriated to relief of families 230,000 00 

Total expenditure from City Fund up to date 

of report $988,720 24 

Remaining unexpended on the 31st of August 11,279 70 

$1,000,000 00 



Of the bahance remaining as above, the items of expenditure to 
military organizations will appear in the final report of the Com- 
mittee. 

All appropriations for military purposes have been drawn from 
the city treasury upon warrants on the Comptroller, signed by 
three duly authorized officers of the Committee, countersigned by 
the Treasurer, and accompanied by vouchers Avhich are retained in 
the Comptroller's office. 

The amounts appropriated from time to time in aid of families 
were drawn upon warrants issued in favor of the Select Committee 
charged with that duty, which Avarrants are also lodged in the Comp- 
troller's office. This branch of the duties confided to the Commit- 
tee was completed on the 18th of July, and the final report on that 
subject, embracing all the details, is fully set forth by the Select 
Committee under date of 31st of August. It is proper to add, that 
a deputation from the Common Council, and also of citizens from 
the several wards, acted in concert with the Committee in the dis- 
charge of this duty of benevolence. 

Before leaving this latter topic, it may be observed that the 
relief provided for the fomilies of soldiers in the field Avas an act of 



202 

thoughtful charity and humane legislation, the beneficial effect of 
which can scarcely be estimated. Many thousands of women and 
cliildren, without this resource, must liave been left utterly desti- 
tute. The fund was administered with the considerate kindness 
due to its deserving recipients, and with the regularity and fidelity 
that belonged to its sacred character. 

With the view to communicate information Avhich is constantly 
applied for, on the subject of relief to families, it may be proper to 
state that the Union Defence Committee have had no connection 
whatever with that subject since July last. An appropriation of 
five hundred thousand dollars was made subsequently by the City 
Government, and disbursed under the authority and direction of 
the Comptroller, aided by the same faithful and intelligent agents 
who had previously discharged that duty. This appropriation was 
exhausted at the close of November. A further sum has since been 
appropriated by the municipal authorities, of which the entire 
charge has been placed in the hands of the Comptroller, and it is 
scarcely necessary to express the confident assurance that the zeal 
and fidelity of that officer will fully redeem the obligations of the 
trust confided to him. 

Whether the authorities of the State of New York will recog- 
nize the claim of the city for reimbursement of the whole or any 
}3art of the sums appropriated in aid of the families of soldiei-s who 
have volunteered in the public defence, is a question resting between 
the municipal authorities and the Legislature. 

The Union Defence Committee, however, have felt it to be a 
duty incumbent on them before finally closing their labors to sub- 
mit to the Government of the United States claims for reimburse- 
ment of advances made to organized regiments under the several 
heads of outfit and equipment. 

These claims are now in process of being stated for adjustment, 
and a portion are already before the diff'erent bureaus of the War 
Department. It can scarcely be a matter of doubt that the demands 
will be promptly responded to. The active agency of the City of 
New York in concert with the vigorous and efficient movements of 
the Executive of the State, was sensibly felt and warmly recognized 
by the officers of the National Government, Avhen its immediate 
safety, if not its ultimate existence, Avas endangered. 

The claims represented by the Committee on behalf of the City 
of New York against the United States cannot be accurately stated 
until each separate account, with its accompanying vouchers, is 
brought within the limits of expenditure controlled by the army 



203 

regulations. A general view, however, may be obtained from the 
following statement : 

Gross expenditures for military purposes 8758,720 24 

Since 31st of August 11,279 70 

$770,000 00 
Less amount received from War Department for arms, 
etc., reimbursed to Comptroller, and applied to re- 
demption of stock 67,000 00 

$703,000 00 
Less, also, amount of bill for arms sold to Ordnance 
Department, and passed for payment to be applied 
as above ' 40,000 00 

Approximate balance to debit of United States. $663 000 00 

The duty of the Committee in preparing and urging these claims 
for adjustment and payment is pursued with all needful zeal and 
assiduity. No measures will be omitted to secure' an early and fa- 
vorable result. 

In the hasty preparation of this response to your inquiries, the 
desire has been to make it as frank and full as the circumstances 
would admit. The books and accounts of the Committee are at all 
times accessible to the proper authority, and the Committee have 
great satisfaction in believing that their transactions, involving so 
large an exjoenditure of money, and affecting interests so vitally im- 
portant to the country, have been conducted in a manner that will 
justify the public approbation. 

With sentiments of high respect. 

Your obedient servants, 
A. A. Low, Treasurer, C. H. Marshall, 

S. Draper, Chairman Ex. Com., Isaac Bell, 
R. H. J\IcCuRDY, Edwards PiERREroNx, 

M. H. Grinnell, R. M. Blatchford, 

.Prosper M. Wetmore, Secretary Ex. Com. 

Celebratioist of Washington's Birthday 

Invitation 
Union Defence Committee op the Citizens of New York, 
New York, February 18, 1862. 
Sir: This Committee have invited a mass meeting of the citi- 
zens to assemble at two o'clock p.m., on Saturday, the 22d of 
February instant, to commemorate the Birth of Washington, and 



204 

in honor of the recent brilliant snccesses of the Union forces engaged 
in suppressing rebellion. 

The undersigned have been instructed to request the honor of 
your presence on the occasion. 

"With sentiments of high respect, 
Your obedient servants, 

Hamilton Fish, Chairman. 

Simeon" Draper, Vice- Chairman. 

William M. Evarts, Secretary. 

P. M. Wetmore, Sec. Corn, of Arrangements. 



Executive Department, Albakt, Feb. 31, 1862. 

Hon. Hamilton Fish, 

Chairman, etc. 
Sir: 

Deejily impressed with the importance of the occasion to which, 
by your partiality, I have been invited, and fully approving the 
objects for Avhicli the Union Defence Committee have requested 
a mass meeting of the citizens, at Cooper Institute, to-morrow 
evening, I should gladly have availed myself of your invitation, 
and have participated in the proposed festivities, were I not pre- 
vented by my public duties. 

It is well to connect the anniversary of the birthday of Wash- 
ington with the recent triumphs of the Federal forces witnessed 
in every encounter, and which have covered the ''old flag" with 
imperishable glory. 

You will not, I am sure, forget that the Ninth and Fifty-tirst 
New York Volunteers, the only regiments from this State in the late 
engagements, were foremost among the brave at Eoanoke Island, 
and that to the Ninth it is the second time in the history of this short 
Avar that distinguished honors have been won by its intrepid 
gallantry and valor. 

New York has upwards of a half dozen scores of regiments in 
the service ready for the contest, if contest it must be, that Avill do 
lienor to themselves, their State, and their country, whenever it is 
^^ pro]}Oseclto move immediately upon your works." Many of these 
regiments have won laurels already, and are now impatient for 
another opportunity. New York honors every portion of the 
Grand Army without regard to State lines, but her greetings are 
specially due to her sons, for their valor is her pride, and their 
heroism lives in the hearts of her grateful people. 

T thank the Committee for its invitation, and I feel especially 



205 

grateful to yon, Mr. Chairman, for a marked service you have 
recently rendered to the State and to humanity by your efficient 
services in obtaining the release from rebel prisons of so large a 
number of our suffering soldiers. 

I am, with high regard, 

Your obedient servant, 

E. D. Morgan". 

Department of State, 

"Washington, February 19, 1862. 
Messrs. HAiiiLTOisr Fish and Simeok Draper, 

Chairman and Vice- Chairman, etc. 

Gentlemen: I have the honor to receive the note in Avhich you 
have invited me to attend a mass meeting of the citizens of New 
York on the 22d inst., in commemoration of the birth of Washinsr- 
ton and in honor of the recent brilliant successes of the Union 
forces in suppressing rebellion. 

It would be a source of great satisfaction to me to meet the people 
of New York on so interesting an occasion, but Congress has in- 
stituted similar ceremonies to be observed at this capital, and has 
made my attendance upon them an official duty. I need not say 
that in my very heart and mind and soul I approve these proposed 
observances. Disloyal citizens have seized upon that great anniver- 
sary to pervert it to a more complete organization of the conspiracy 
for the overthrow of the Union of which Washington was the 
founder, and for the betrayal of the people of the United States back 
again to the foreign yoke which the hand of Washington smote and 
broke. May we not hope that the mighty shade of the Father of 
his Country will be allowed to look down from its rest on that day 
devoted to his memory, and say which of the two are indeed dutiful 
children — those Avho are engaged in the destruction of that country 
so blessed of God above all other lands, or those who have com- 
mitted themselves to its salvation. 

I am, gentlemen, yours, very faithfully, 

William H. Seward. 



Mass Meeting of Loyal Citizens, Union Square, 
July 15, 1862 

Union Defence Committee of the Citizens of New York, 

New York, July 8, 1862. 

Sir : I am instructed to acknowledge your communication of 
this day, inviting a deputation from this body to confer with a 



206 

Committee of the Chamber of Commerce iu relation to the public 
affairs of the country. 

This Committee will cheerfully unite with the Chamber in the 
furtherance of any measures calculated to promote the public 
welfare ; and I am accordingly instructed to transmit to you 
the following names composing a Committee of Conference : 

Messrs. HAMiLTOif Fish, A. C. Richards, 

A. T. Stewart, R. A. Witthaus, 

R. M. Blatchford, Samuel Sloan, 
P. M. Wetmore. 
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant. 

Prosper M. Wetmore, 

Secretary yro tern. 
John Austin Stevens, 

Secretary of the Chamler of Commerce, 

Union Defence Committee, New York, July 12, 1863. 
Sir: 

In accordance with the expressed desire of the Convention of 
Committees appointed to call a public meeting of the citizens of 
New York, I am instructed to inform you that the action in 
question received the sanction of all the members of the Committee 
present at the meeting of the 8th instant, viz. : 

Hamilton Fish, Chairman., 
Simeon Draper, R. M. Blatchford, 

Samuel Sloan, M. H. Grinnell, 

Wm. E. Dodge, R. H. McCurdy, 

Hon. George Opdyke, R. A. Witthaus, 

Robert T. Haws, W. F. Havemeyer, 

Isaac Bell, A. C. Richards, 

P. M. Wetmore. 
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Prosper M. AVetmore. 
John Austin Stevens, Jr., Esq., 

Secretary of Joint Convention. 

Note. — The Joint Convention which, as is here seen, originated 
with the Chamber of Commerce, was composed of Committees 
delegated by the Chamber of Commerce, the Union Defence Com- 
mittee, the Common Council of the City of New York, a Com- 
mittee of the Citizens who met at the Mayor's Office, and a Com- 
mittee of Citizens who met at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. 



207 

These Committees in Convention, on July 10, 1862, issued a 
call for a meeting of Loyal Citizens on Union Square, on the after- 
noon of Tuesday, July 15, 18G3, at 4 o'clock, "to express without 
reference to any party question whatever, their undiminished con- 
fidence in the justice of our cause, and their inflexible purpose to 
maintain it to the end, and to proffer to the Government all the aid 
it may need to the extent of all their resources." 

A report of the action on this occasion, entitled " Proceedings 
at the Mass Meeting of Loyal Citizens on Union Square, 15th day 
of July, 18G2. — Letters and Speeches published by order of the 
Committee of Arrangements under the supervision of John Austin 
Stevens, Jr., Secretary," — was issued nnder the imprint of George 
F. Nesbitt & Co., printers, 18G2. 

One of the resolutions adopted at this meeting recommended to 
the Common Council of the City of New York to offer a bounty of 
twenty-five dollars to any resident of the city who shall within thirty 
days enlist into any regiment now in the field. — Editor. 



TELEGRAMS 



14 



TELEGRAMS 



TeLEGKAMS — TO THE COMMITTEE 

General Dispatches 

Philadelphia, April 24, 1861. 
C. J. & F. W. CoGGiLL, 80 Broad St., N. Y. 

The Massachusetts regiment and your Seventh, which left here 
Saturday, are at Annapolis, which place they hold ; this maybe relied 
on, it is from General Butler. H. Eobinson- & Co. 

Philadelphia, April 24, 1861. 
C. J. & F. W. CoGGiLL, 80 Broad Street, K Y. 

I am now prepared to put troops through to Annapolis as fast as 
you can send them. Only give notice of their starting, and let 
them be well armed and provisioned. 

For S. M. Felton, Fres., H. Kobinson & Co. 

Office of Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, April 24, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, 16 Fifth Ave., N. Y. 

E. J. Dupont has just telegraphed. — We are entirely safe at 
present, have plenty of men. Alex. Henry. 

Philadelphia, April 24, 1861. 
Prosper M. Wetmore, Committee of Public Safety, N. Y. 

Communications open. Government troops at Annapolis Junc- 
tion to fortify and hold it. Three New York regiments, Sixth, 
Twelfth and Seventy-first, at Washington Navy Yard. The Gov- 
ernment in possession of railroad from Washington to Relay House. 

R. Patterson. 



Haktford, April 26, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, N. Y., Union Safety Committee. 

The Adjutant-General of Connecticut, General J. D. Williams, 
informs me that there are at New Haven two regiments, armed. 



212 

equipped and well drilled, hungry to march ; two' others can be 
ready to-morrow, they are waiting for orders ; telegraph General 
Williams at Plartford. Colonel Edward G. Parker. 



Washington, April 30, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, IST. Y. 

To-day the first time in ten days Ave have received New York 
papers. We begin to see what kind of news they have been giving 
to the people about matters here during that interval. The follow- 
ing is a specimen, the statement is totally untrue, from the Times. 
— We know that there was very strong opposition in the Cabinet to 
the recent garrisoning of Fort Monroe, on the gi'ound that it would 
irritate Virginia ; on the 24th, and probably up to the present 
moment, the instructions to the commanding officers at that fort 
were to act only on the defensive. F. W. Seward. 

Boston, April 30, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, K Y. 

The Minnesota will leave here I expect on Saturday or Monday 
next, the other vessels at this station are fitting as rapidly as possi- 
ble, men ship slowly ; want of seamen will be the only thing to pre- 
vent their getting off when ready. By order of Commodore String- 
ham. A. Ludlow Vose. 



Washington, 3Iay 1, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, N. Y. 

There is not a word of truth in any of the newspaper reports of 

Armistices made or proposed ; that sort of business ended on the 4th 

of March. F. W. Seward. 



Washington, May 2, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, N. Y. 

The Seventy-first Eegiment wants your Committee to send us on 
immediately eight hundred and fifty single mattresses ; the General 
Government cannot supply us ; my men are sleeping on boards. We 
guard the Navy Yard, and have much more severe duty to perform 
than any other regiment in Washington. The regiment will feel 
most grateful to you. Three hundred of my men on Potomac steam- 
ers keeping communication open with Fortress Monroe; duty hard. 
A. S. Vosburgh, Cot 

This regiment is permanently quartered at the Navy Yard, and 
as they have no camp equipage, the mattresses are a necessity. 

Chas. H. Haswell. 



213 

Washington, May 3, 1861. 
Simeon Draper. 

Blockading Squadron will be notified immediately. I will apply 

to the Minister about the other matter referred to in your dispatch. 

W. H. Seward. 



Washington, May 3, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, N. Y. 

E. Gr. Davies, said to be a native of North Carolina, asks for pass- 
port to be sent him at the Brevoort House. Are you aware of any 
reason for refusing the request ? W. H. Seward. 

Washington, iffaj^ 3, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, N. Y. 

Your dispatch to War Department received. Is the cotton at 

Norfolk paid for? how does owner propose to bring it away, in a 

Southern vessel or to send a Northern one? is the vessel now at 

Norfolk ? was it there when blockade was proclaimed ? was the cotton 

on board the vessel then ? A Northern vessel would be seized if sent 

there for it. State particulars. F. W. Seward. 

War Department, Washington, May 3, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, N. Y. 

The Minister answers and shows the law for it that the Cana- 
dian Government has no arms which it can legally sell or lend. 

W. H. Seward. 



Washington, May 4, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, N. Y. 

Don't purchase mattresses, I have engaged sufficient straw beds; 

you must give us without fail flannel blouses and pantaloons ; Has- 

well wrote about them ; the uniform pants of my men are worn out ; 

we want nine hundred. Brooks Bros, make them cheap. 

A. S. VOSBURGH. 



War Department, W^ashington, May 5, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, N. Y. 

The ports of District of Columbia are not blockaded ; let Wikoff's 
vessel clear for Georgetown ; send me her name and character, and 
when due I will see she meets convoy at Hampton Koads. 

William H. Seward. 



War Department, Washington, May 6, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, 16 Fifth Ave., N. Y. 

Orders go to-day to send all the troops now at New York forward 
to Washington. Wm. H. Seward. 



214 

Albaot, May 6, 1861, 
John a. Uix, Chairman. 

Commissary-General Welch has been directed to furnish the 

arms mentioned in your dispatch, also ammunition. Should be 

guarded to destination by Colonel Pratt's Regiment. 

E, D. Morgan. 



Telegraphic Messages from Governors of States 

Harrisburg, May 2, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, Chairmaii Union Defence Comtnittee, 
16 Fifth Ave. 
Twenty-five (25) regiments, all full and armed. Fifteen (15) 
uniformed. I have no doubt the Legislature will order fifteen regi- 
ments to be armed and equipped to-morrow or next day. 

A. G. CuRTiN [Gov. of Fenn.] 

Trenton, May 2, 1861. 
Our Governor directs me to say that four regiments start to- 
morrow well prepared, only we want additional ammunition to pro- 
tect them to Washington. We have sent a messenger to General 
Wool ; aid us, and if General Wool cannot send us ammunition, tele- 
graph the Governor immediately if your Committee can. Our 
troops go by propellers to Annapolis. 

Fred'k T. Frelinghuysen [Go7'. of JVew Jersey], 

Madison, May 2, 1861. 
Only one regiment Avas called for from Wisconsin, a great 
shame. We have one ready and waiting orders, another now in 
camiD, and will be uniformed in a week. Two more ready to come 
at a day's warning, but not equipped, and three more registered 
and anxious to be called for. We have very few arms fit for service, 
but three thousand muskets at Springfield are assigned to us with- 
out accoutrements. We want a thousand rifles for our men. 

A. W. Randall [Gov. of Wisconsin]. 

St. Paul, May 2, 1861. 
Have a regiment of one thousand men at Fort Snelling, mustered 
in organization, armed and reported ready for service, equal to two 
regiments from any other place ; can have another in fourteen days 
if wanted. Alex. Ramsey [Gov. of Minnesota]. 



215 

Augusta, May 3, 1861. 
One regiment at Portland ready, three more nearly ; enough en- 
listed for ten ; all will go fully equipped. I wish Department would 
order at least four to march within ten days ; desire us to accept a 
regiment of lumbermen and river drivers, all six-footers and over. 

J. Washburn, Jr. [Gov. of Maine]. 

Boston, May 2, 1861. 
About four thousand already in the field, as many more ready 
at brief notice ; probably ten thousand drilling, hoping for opportu- 
nity; why don't the Government call faster; we sent a steamer with 
supplies to-day. John A. Andrew [Gov. of Ilass.l. 

Rutland, May 2, 1861. 
First Regiment waiting here for orders ; my private secretary, 
Geo. A. Merrill, will reach Astor House to-night. Call on him for 
the information requested. E. Fairbanks [Gov. of Vermont], 

Hartford, May 2, 1861. 
One regiment has been mustered into the service of the United 
States. It will be equipped and ready to leave camp early next 
week. Wm. A. Buckingham [Gov. of Connecticut]. 

Davenport, May 2, 1861. 
One regiment called for by the President; it has been on drill a 
week, is one thousand strong, nearly uniformed, tents and blankets 
ordered, but no arms to be had ; send arms, for God's sake. Second 
regiment now full and drilling, and third ready, but no arms ; can I 
buy arms, if so, where? Ten thousand men can be had if they can 
have arms. S. J. Kirk wood [Gov, of loioa]. 



Concord, N. H., May 3, 1861. 
Seven hundred and eighty troops, one regiment, have been 
ordered from this State, mustered, equipped, and armed thoroughly. 
Two other regiments, and perhaps four, to be tendered by the 
State. J. C. Abbott, Adfi-Geji'r'l [of New Hmipsliire^, 

Indianapolis, Ind., May 3, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, N. Y. 

Six full regiments have been organized and mustered into the 
service of the United States, now here equipped with guns, but no 
accoutrements, camp equipage or cannon, have been furnished, and 



216 

fear that Government will not furnish us cannon ; have some powder, 
no percussion caps ; we want for muskets and rifles. Thousands are 
offering services but Avithout equipage ; we are in the immediate 
want of first-class equipage for one thousand cavalry, to defend 
our southern border; burning and robbery have already commenced 
there; we want revolvers for cavalry. Can you help us ? 

0. P. Morton \^Gov. of Indiana], 

Detroit, May 3, 1861. 
Eequisition for one regiment now armed and equipped ready. 
One field battery, four guns, accepted and ready in four days ; two 
other regiments armed and nearly equipped ; called into service of 
State and rendezvoused. Three other regiments enrolled and ready to 
be called into service of State, not equipped, are armed, waiting 
arms, equipment, and clothing. Jxo. Robertson, 

Adft-Gen. [of Michigan']. 

Providence, May 3, 1861. 
We have sent one regiment of ten hundred and fifty (1050) men, 
and a full battery of light artillery of one hundred and fifty (150) 
men more. They are all in Washington, fully equipped. 

Edwd. C. Mauran, Adft-Gen. [of Rhode Island']. 

Columbus, May 3, 1861. 
Twenty-two regiments are in camp under drill: thirteen under 
President's requisition, etc. : nine are State troops. Ohio will furnish 
any quota the Government may ask ; she has appropriated three 
millions of dollars. W. Dennison [Gov. of Ohio]. 



General Dispatches Resumed 

Boston, 3fay 4, 1861. 
SiMEOK Draper, Chairman, iV. Y. 

The Peerless is fitting hastily for Quebec, probably leaves 
Hamilton soon ; my agent thinks she is sold. Have no evidence 
against her, but movements seem suspicions. I think Canadian 
Government will embarrass her at Quebec, where she has to clear. 

J. M. Forbes. 

U. S. Navy Yard, Boston, May 4, 1861. 
S. Draper, Chairman, N. Y. 

Your dispatch as to Peerless is received, and will meet with 
attention. Wm. L. Hudson. 



217 

Albany, May 6, 1861. 
Gex. John A. Dix. 

What oflBcers of the General Government made the requisition 

for the four thousand stand of arms ? It is a risk for the State to 

part with them, as we may not get others from Springfield for our 

new regiments. Please answer. E. D. Morgan. 

Albany, May 6, 1861. 
Is the information upon which you found your application for 
five thousand stand of arms from Mr. Baldwin, of Syracuse? 

E. D. Morgan. 

Albany, May 6, 1861. 
The Commissary-General has orders to furnish the arms the 
Government asks for on your requisition for them. 

J. Meredith Eead, Jr., Adfi-Gen'l 

Albany, 3Ifty 6, 18G1. 
Simeon Draper, N. Y. 

Requisitions made by General Government have been responded 

to promptly on the part of the State, and they will continue to be. 

I have no information of the kind mentioned. 

E. D. Morgan. 



New Haven, May 7, 1861. 
John A. Dix, Chairman. 

Governor Buckingham at Washington. We have one regiment 
ready, another will be ready Thursday, and a third in a few days. 

Henry W. Birge, Com. Gen't. 



Albany, May 10, 1861. 
R. M. Blatchford, N. Y. 

Every efibrt is being made to effect regimental organizations, 
arm, equip, and uniform the thirty-eight regiments under two years' 
law, the men to compose which have now been enrolled. Those 
regiments, and those only, will be sent forward. I have no orders 
except as above. Ships should not be chartered to convey troops to 
Washington from this State without orders from me. 

E. D. Morgan. 



Phila., May 13, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, N. Y. 

The route I telegraphed you about on Saturday as ready was 
the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad, and not 
the Northern Central Railroad, as stated in the Herald of to-day. 
Please correct. S. M. Felton. 



218 

Headquarters Army, Washington, May 17, 1861, 4.15 p.m. 
SiMEOif Draper. 

Your telegram just received at half-past ten this morning. The 
following was sent to Colonel Tompkins, Qaartermaster, No. 6 
State St., N. Y. The Second Maine Regiment, onboard the Coatza- 
coalcos, in New York, has several cases of measles. General Scott 
says make, Avithout delay, the best arrangements possible for 
putting them in camp until danger of infection is passed. Dispose 
as well as you can of the steamer. Winfield Scott. 



May 18, 1861. 
1^ Ron. Hamilton Fish, Chairman U. D. Com., N. Y. 

The President has instructed me to say that the order for the 
fourteen regiments from the State of New York, made the loth of 
May, 1861, included the brigade of five regiments, commanded by 
General D. E. Sickles. Yours, truly, Simon Cameron, Sec'y War. 

Washington, May 18, 1861. 
Hon. Hamilton Fish, Cliairman U.D.G. 
Fifth Ave. Hotel, N. Y. 
My brigade will be encamped on Staten Island until further 
orders. It will not go to Washington or to Fortress Monroe for the 
present. I shall be in New York on Monday morning, when I will 
bring dispatches to you. My brigade, five regiments, is included in 
the fourteen taken from New York. This is by direction of the 
President. D. E. Sickles, Brig.-Gen'l Commanding. 



War Dep't, Washington, May 19, 1861. 
P. M. Wetmore, U. Def. Com., N. Y. 

The Quartermaster wants to know the price of your army 
wagons. Answer at Willard's. John Tucker. 



War Department, Washington, May 20, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, N. Y. 

The concluding v^ords of my order to your Committee were 
not intended to confer authority to send on troops independent of 
Governor Morgan, but were lueant to give such authority only in 
case of Governor Morgan's refusal to comply with the order. John 
Tucker is the only duly authorized transportation agent of this 
department, and no obligations contracted for that purpose can bo 
recognized or acknowledged if made by any one else. 

Simon Cameron, Secretary of War. 



219 

Phila., May 20, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, 

I cannot take the responsibility of sending Major Bagley's un- 
equipped troops forward. If General Sandford orders them to go, 
send them. I have telegraphed to Mr. Cameron for instructions. 

JoHX Tucker. 



Phila., May 21, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, N. Y. 

The four hundred troops for the Sixty-ninth Eegiment may be 

sent to Washington. John Tucker. 



Washington, May 25, 1861. 
S. Draper, Cliairman U. D. Com., N. Y. 

General Sandford has been appointed to command the new Mili- 
tary District of Fairfax, embracing the whole of Virginia, from the 
Potomac to James Eiver, and from the Alleghanies to the Chesa- 
peake, except Fortress Monroe, and forty miles around it, with all 
the U. S. forces now engaged in the expedition in that State. His 
quarters for the present are at Arlington House. 

RoBT. H. Pruyn. 



Albany, May 38, 1861. 
The Chairman, Union Defence Committee, N. Y. 

Was the Second Regiment mustered into the service by a United 
States officer before their departure ? If so, for how long a period 
and by what officer ? I now learn that they wish to serve for three 
months only. Please answer without delay. E. D. Morgan. 



Washington, July 22, 1861. 

Moses H. Grinnell, S. Draper and Alex. Hamilton. 

Gent : In reply to telegram will say, " Cheer our friends to 
active exertions in order that we may speedily retrieve our fortune 
of yesterday." We are making most vigorous efforts to concentrate 
a large and irresistible army at this point. Regiments are now ar- 
riving and many have left for the Capital, and our works on south 
bank of Potomac are impregnable, being well manned with rein- 
forcements. The Capital is safe. Simon Cameron, Sec^y of War. 



War Dep't, Washington, Aug. 20, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, Chairman Union Defence Com. 

N. Y. Fire Zouaves left here without authority of this depart- 
ment. Humanity requires that they should be fed and cared for. 



220 



and orders will be given to the Commissary and Quartermaster at 
New York to make provision for their wants. They are needed 
here, and if their ranks are not filled this week, they will be ordered 
to return to this city. Simon Cameron, Sec'y of War. 



Telegrams to and from Special Agents, etc. 

Phila.. April 2i, 1861. 
Theo. Dehon, 214 Fifth Av., N. Y. 

Leave in six o'clock train for your house. Geo. T. M. Davis. 

Phila,, April 24, 1861. 
Prosper M. Wetmore, 28 West 20th St., N. Y. 

Empire City and Coatzacoalcos are expected daily. When they 
arrive will see you. Shall be through here Friday. 

M, 0. Egberts. 

Phila., April 24:, 1861. 

Theo. Dehon, 10 Wall St., N. Y. 

General Patterson just heard by courier from Scott; Washington 
seriously threatened. Rush forward, by rail and by sea, without an 
hour's delay, all troops possible, sending no regiments unless thor- 
oughly armed and well provisioned. No time to lose. Seventh 
Eegiment and Massachusetts through. Geo. T. M. Davis. 



Phila., April 26, 1861. 
Gen. Prosper M. Wetmore, 28 West 20th St., N. Y. 

No necessity to send from New York. The place is occupied 
sufficiently. J. C. Haswell. 

Phila., April 26, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, Union Club, 31st St. and Fifth Av., N. Y. 

The Annapolis road is open, and in the hands of the Govern- 
ment. It is not known here whether the Seventh has gone to 
Washington or is holding Annapolis. The troops that left New 
York by sea Sunday niglit have arrived in Washington. No want 
of transports here, but tliey are short of arms. If a messenger, 
momentarily expected from Gen. Scott, arrives in time, I shall leave 
at six o'clock and come directly to the Fifth Avenue Hotel. 

Sumter. 



221 

Perryville, April 28, 1861, 
Pickering Clark, 10 Wall St., or John A. Dix, 3 W. 21st St., 
N. Y. 
Number 8. Washington, Saturday, 4 p.m. — Have made the 
necessary arrangements whereby my messages to you will be tele- 
graphed from Perryville, and yours to me, care of the commanding 
officer there,will be forwarded here. Fifty cords oak wood are wanted 
at Fort Monroe in addition to fifty ordered to-day of Quarterniflster 
at New York. Communicate with him. No more troops to be for- 
warded without they are provided with tents and camp equipage. 
Quartermaster Avill advise as to details of articles, etc. Major 
Thornton, at Governor's Island, will advise as to ordnance. See 
pages 133, 206 and 240 of Army Kegulations, to be had at 6 State 
Street, for details of camp and garrison equipments. No 7 for- 
warded by Col. Hamilton this day. The troops here and at An- 
napolis are suffering for Avant of camp equipage. 

Chas, H. Haswell. 



Washington, April 30, 1861. 
No more troops are wanted here. The Potomac is open at this 
time ; have furnished Messrs. Evarts, Pierrepont, etc., with explicit 
replies to the nine queries you submitted to them. 

C. H. Haswell, Willard's. 



Washington, May 1, 1861. 
Pickering Clark, 10 Wall St. 

Pack up No. 6, so that they can withstand exposure out of doors. 

Washington, Hay 1, 1861. 
Let No. 6 be driven on previous directions, not to be followed 
on this point. C. H. Haswell. 



Washington, May 2,1861. 
Telegram of yesterday received and obeyed. Coles leaves here 
at 3 P.M. Potomac yet open, and arrangements such as to render it 
for the present a practical route ; but its navigation is impaired by 
removal of buoys. C. H. Haswell. 

Perryville, May 2, 1861. 
Pickering Clark, 10 Wall St., or 214 Fifth Ave., N. Y. 

My telegram of yesterday regarding troops is countermanded. 
None are to be sent, however, unless fully provided with camp 
equipage. Have received your letter, and with this message I 
close. Chas. H. Haswell. 



222 

New Albany, May 3, 1861. 
To John- A. Dix, 30 Pine. 

Eecall cases shipped; telegraph me Buruet House, Cincinnati. 

I write. John [W. Dix]. 

New Albany, Ind., May 3, 1861. 
To John A. Dix, 30 Pine. 

Ship no more. John [W. Dix]. 

Washington, May 3, 1861. 
Pickering Clark, 10 Wall Street, N. Y. 

Route to Philadelphia via Annapolis is this day complete in its 
means of transport of mail, etc., etc. ; one passenger and the military 
train per day hence to Annapolis. Ellsworth's Regiment is here ; 
Seventh Regiment in camp. Dispatch of to-day sent per mail. 
Merritt is here and delivered dispatch. C. H. Haswell. 

Washington, May 3, 1861. 

Reconstruction of telegram of May 1st. You are urged by 

General Scott to advise with the officers in State Street as to the 

requirements of troops to arrive, duplication of some articles 

and deficiencies of others. 

Washington, May 3, 1861. 

The reply to query No. 1 in letter borne by Messrs. E. P. and 
W. Avas answered by the Secretary of "War, but Gen. Scott ordered 
otherwise, hence my telegram to drive on. C. H. Haswell. 



Washington, May 6, 1861. 
Pickering Clark, 10 Wall Street, or 214 Fifth Ave., N. Y. 
Please drive on with No. 6. Chas. H. Haswell. 

New Yoek, May 6, 1861. 
Colonel Pratt declines to ask his men to enlist for two years. 
The Second Regiment will enlist for two years. New York in- 
dividual opinion is against sending any more three months' men. 

Jas. S. Wadsworth. 



Philadelphia, May 7, 1861. 
Union Defence Committee, 30 Pine Street. 

We have intercepted our dispatch of yesterday from Washing- 
ton, dated yesterday. In our dispatch last evening we were right; our 
General at Washington seems to feel secure ; our friend does not feel 
so. We will watch each station, and give you the facts as they ap- 
pear to us. We would advise no relaxation in forwarding troops 

S. Draper and Marshall. 



223 

Washington, May 8, 1861. 
Uniox Defence Comm., Fifth Avenue Hotel, N. Y. 

Our visits here confirmed the Phihidelphia requisition. There 
is no difference between the views of our Committee and those of 
the Government, no time fixed for engaging in conflict, nor is the 
place fixed upon. The rebel force is pretty Avell known. "We 
advise a continuance of the policy of the Committee. 

FnANKLIlf. 



Washington, May 9, 1861. 
E. M. Blatchfoed, Fifth Avenue Hotel, N. Y. 

Sandford has orders to keep nothing back. We have authority 
from Secretary and General to push forward the music. General 
Dix will know what is expected. Franklin. 



Washington, May 10, 1861. 
SiMEOx Draper, 16 Fifth Avenue, N. Y. 

Your dispatches received this evening. No answer about the 
five regiments can be sent until Secretary of War is seen ; will 
telegraph and write to-morrow. G. L. Schuyler. 



Washington, May 13, 1861. 
S. Draper, Union Defence Committee, 30 Pine Street, N. Y. 

I have just had an interview with the President, Secretary of 
State and Secretary of War, at the President's house. Secretary of 
War says — I have given orders for all troops enlisted for the war to 
be forwarded from New York immediately. No more three months' 
men are wanted here. In answer to my inquiry as to where the 
order had been sent, I could get no further information. Governor 
Seward says to you, send all that are ready who enlist for the war 
and telegraph Gov. Morgan. I write by mail. 

George L. Schuyler. 

Philadelphia, 13, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, New York. 

Bridges ready. We run express train at 11.35 a.m. to-day to 

Baltimore, and evening train up from Baltimore. To-morrow all 

trains to and from Baltimore. S. M. Felton. 



Annapolis, May 14, 1861. 
Prosper M. Wetmore, Fifth Avenue Hotel, N. Y. 

A delightful trip; will leave this 7.30 p.m. for Washington ; 
fifteen hundred troops here. Sam'l Sloan. 



224 



Philadelphia, May 14, 1861. 
P. M. Wetmore, Union Defence Committee, 30 Pine St., N. Y. 
We go via Annapolis, but troops are going direct to Baltimore. 

Sam. Sloan. 



Washington, May 31, 1861. 
Hamilton Fish, Cliairman Union Defence Committee, 
30 Pine Street, N. Y. 
Tiie head of everything says, his intentions shall be carried out, 
and not be interfered with ; more orders only add to the confusion, 
therefore he telegraphs to the Chief, — ' opposed to your action ; 
come here immediately,' — and permits me to telegraph for strong 
delegation to meet him if he obeys the order, and if he does not 
come, the Chief will make all straight anyhow. Start a strong del- 
egation with or ahead of your opponent. Do not write or com- 
municate with the second in office here. I have succeeded with 
difficulty in finding Sloan's papers; the missing paper not among 
them. I write by mail ; acknowledge this. G. L. S. 



Washikgton, 22 May, 1861. 
Simeon Draper, U. Def. Committee, N. Y. 

I did write by mail yesterday. I send a message by Wads worth, 
and will write again to-night. The President and Secretary of 
State expect a delegation of the Committee. I think it better to 
come, unless you have arranged matters satisfactorily to yourselves. 

G. L. Schuyler. 

Washington, May 23, 1861. 
S. Draper, Chr. Union Defence Co7mn., 30 Pine Street, Is". Y. 

In the present complication of matters between yourself and 
the Governor, General Scott earnestly desires that under no circum- 
stances more than nine regiments in the whole be sent to Fort 
Monroe, no matter by whom they are forwarded. 

G. L. Schuyler. 

Washington, May 22, 1861. 
Rifled cannon which throw not less than twenty-pound shot, 
with ammunition, shells, etc., would be very serviceable at Fort 
Pickens ; so say all the engineers here when consulted by General 
Scott. I cannot see the Secretary of War to-day. I am informed 
that the Governor, in reply to the President, declines coming here. 
There is much trouble about the fourteen reiriments. Have the 



225 

Committee stcirted ? Is Bartlett's Naval Brigade one of your 
fourteen ? G. L. Schuyler. 



Washington, May 23, 1861. 
S. Draper, Union Defence Committee, 30 Pine Street, N. Y. 

I have no letters or telegrams from you to-day, 2 o'clock. Your 
letter of Tuesday only delivered at ten this morning. I wrote by 
mail Tuesday and sent by special messengers last night. I sent 
four telegrams to you yesterday. I repeat, if you are troubled about 
the fourteen regiments, a delegation had better come on. The Four- 
teenth, although without orders, except from the Committee, is well 
received, draws rations and is mustered in to-day. Secretary of War 
sent Col. Franklin last night to New York. Will do nothing about 
an order for rifled cannon to Fort Pickens. Answer. 

G. L. Schuyler. 



May 24, 1861. 

Col. G, L. Schuyler. 

Will Gen. Scott authorize Col. Keyes or any army officer to hold 
elections in the regiments selected for service by this Committee 
under the authority of the President ? 

This will enable ns to send forward troops at once. 

S. Draper, Chairman. 

Washington, May 24, 1861. 
S. Draper, U. D. Comm., 30 Pine Street, N. Y. 

Letters of yesterday received. Arms for regiments not provided 
now being discussed by Secretary of War and General Scott ; will 
telegraph result ; have seen Secretary of War and Navy about con- 
voy for ship; will write by Capt. Degroot to-day. The order and 
punctuality of the soldiers in last night's movement were admira- 
ble — everything done exactly as ordered, and to the minute. I saw 
your son at the bridge. Michigan regiment captured thirty-five 
cavalry. Garrison at Alexandria ran away, burning the bridges as 
they went; no signs of an enemy at 2 o'clock. Intrenchments 
progressing rapidly. The moderation of Zouaves after the murder 
of Ellsworth much praised. G. L. Schuyler. 



Washington, May 25, 1861. 
Simeon Draper and Others. 

Will the Union Defence Committee meet the Secretary of War 
to-morrow morning at the Fifth Ave. Hotel ? Thurlow Weed. 
15 



226 

'Sew York, May 25, 1861 
Thuelow Weed. 

Yes ; any hour he names. S. Draper and Others. 

Washington, May 25, 1861. 
Simeon Draper and Others. 

At 9 o'clock to-morrow morning. Thurlow Weed. 

New York, May 25, 1861. 
Thurlow Weed. 

All right. Is there anything else you have to say ? 

S. Draper and Others. 

Washington, May 25, 1861. 
Simeon Draper and Others. 

Remains of Col. Ellsworth leave here in a special train at 5.40. 

Thurlow Weed. 



Washington, May 26, 1861. 
P, M. Wetmore, Union Defence Committee, 30 Pine Street. 

Arrived at six, all right and safe ; some anxiety here, but no 
alarm. Breakfasted with Gov. Seward ; he says more troops are 
wanted without delay. Send this to my house. R. M. Blatchford. 



Washington, May 29, 1861. 
J. J. AsTOR, Union Defence Committee, 30 Pine St., N. Y. 

We deem it absolutely necessary that the same Committee that 
obtained the order for the fourteen regiments should come here im- 
mediately ; bring certified copy of the minutes in regard to every- 
thing connected with the fourteen regiments. Dispatch of to-day 
received ; letter to President not been delivered. Obtain if possible 
the precise date of enrolment by Governor of Volunteer regiments 
formed in New York City and Brooklyn ; be prepared to report pre- 
cisely condition of regiments now forming under auspices of De- 
fence Committee, when each may be deemed ready to start ; make 
no further appropriations until we meet. Answer. Half-past twelve. 

S. Draper, R. M. Blatchford. 



Washington, May dO,18Ql. 
J. J. AsTOR, U. D. Com., N. Y. 

Telegrams received all right ; we leave for home to-morrow. 
President reviews to-day at three Fourteenth, Ninth, Garibaldies ; 
two last will be mustered in without delay. Garibaldi arrived at 
two this morning in fine spirits. Sandford facilitajtes everything. 

S. Draper, R. M. Blatchford. 



227 

Washington, May 31, 1861. 
J. J. AsTOR, Union Defence Committee, 30 Pine Street, N. Y. 

Letter by mail ; about five thousand arms received to-duy ; order 
for them has this day been issued. Blatchford returns to-day. I 
shall now resume my correspondence. G. L. Schuyler. 

Washington, June 3, 1861. 
S. Draper, Chairman U. D. Com., New York. 

General Seott recommended Committee to appropriate half a 
million of their fund to purchase batteries — field of six guns each, 
Armstrong guns, forty-eight guns in all, and fifty thousand Enfield 
rifles; wants to know exactly where the matter stands; if any have 
arrived, answer. No movement of any kind by either party last 
night. I think enemy contemplates an advance movement. 

G. L. Schuyler. 



Washington, June 15, 1861. 
P. M. Wetmore, 30 Front St., N. Y. 

I have given an order on Mr. Astor and Mr. Blunt for the Kem- 
ble cannon. They are needed at the seat of war. 

S. Draper. 



Washington, June 16, 1861. 
P. M. Wetmore, Secretary Union Defence Committee, 30 Pine 
Street, N. Y. 
Your dispatch about Whitworth guns received yesterday at one ; 
application made to Secretary of War to request Treasury to remit 
duties and Quartermaster to pay Spaulding's charges, accepted by 
Treasury, returned by me to Assistant-Secretary of War for order 
on Quartermaster, this morning, paper cannot be found, must do 
it all over again. It is supposed enemy has retreated to Manassas, 
no positive information here. G. L. Schuyler. 



Washington, June 17, 1861. 
Union- Defence Committee, 30 Pine St., N. Y. 

Orders go by mail to-night; Collector to remit duties; Quarter- 
master to pay Spaulding's charges. Governor's Island Command- 
ers to receive Whitworth Battery. No army news yesterday or to- 
day of interest. G. L. Schuyler 



Washington, June 19, 1861. 
A. C. KiCHARDS, U. Def. Com., 30 Pine St., N. Y. 

Arrangements for Whitworth guns being completed ; shall I 
return papers received from you by mail this morning ? No army 
news since my telegraph to Draper yesterday. G. L. Schuyler. 



228 

Washington, J tine 29, 1861. 
P. M. Wetmore, 30 Pine St., N. Y. 

Buy some tin cups, knives and forks, and camp plates, with 
cooking stoves for Kerrigan's regiment, and send tliem on imme- 
diately ; if the Committee consent, also one ambulance for same. 

S. Draper. 

Washington, June 29, 1861. 
Eagan is not here yet. Ask Committee to let me give two hun- 
dred and fifty dollars in their behalf to three hospitals, to be used 
by the Sanitary Committee on account of U. D. Committee. The 
Committee is represented here by Drs. Van Buren and Agnew. I 
was at the hospitals yesterday and found the wounded doing well ; 
answer. S. Draper. 



Washington, July 2, 1861. 
Prosper M. Wetmore, 30 Pine St., N. Y. 

Mr. Cameron says he has got from U. D. C. all regiments 
agreed upon ; won't take more ; send Schuyler. 

K. H. McCURDY. 



Washington, July 3, 1861. 
S. Draper, Chairman Ex. Com. Union Defence Comni., 30 Pine St. 
McCurdy has agreed to suspend negotiations with Cameron ; I 
advise to send regiments under original orders as soon as possible, 
and if objections are made after arrived, can be discussed with ad- 
vantage on our side ; McCurdy's application being called a mistake, 
I write by mail, and shall not see Cameron unless instructed by you 

differently to-morrow ; no war news of interest. 

G. L. Schuyler. 



DOCUMENTS 



DOCUMENTS 



The Board of Aldermen aud the Board of Councilmen met on 
the evening of Monday, April the twenty-second, 1861. 

Proceedings of the City Government 

Message from the Honorable the Mayor 

Mayok's Office, New York, April 33, 1861. 
Gentlemen of the Common Council : 

Events of a most extraordinary character have been precipitated 
upon the country. Military aggressions have been commenced 
against the Federal authorities within the borders of the American 
Union which threaten in their extent and character to subvert our 
institutions, destroy our commerce, and lay waste our homes and 
firesides. It is a war apparently not of self-protection upon the 
side of the belligerents, but of active hostilities against the property, 
the honor, and the continuance of the Government under which 
we live. This city is the metropolis of the American Union. It 
is the great center of all that constitutes the might and power and 
strength of the nation. 

It is distinguished not only for the supremacy of numbers, but 
for wealth, intelligence and patriotism, and liberality ; and it has 
been peculiarly distinguished for its unfaltering adherence to the 
local institutions and constitutional rights of our brethren of the 
South. 

It is our interest therefoi-e, as it is our duty and our right, to 
speak out boldly and to act promptly at this critical emergency in 
the affairs of our country. 

Representing the Corporation of the City, it devolves upon us to 
make proper provision for the public exigencies, so far as Xew York 
is concerned. Funds are required to equip and support the tens of 
thousands of our noble citizens now enlisting and volunteering for 
the war. 

It is true our opulent classes are coming forward with character- 



232 

istic liberality, but no one class sbould bear this burden. Every- 
man among us is willing to participate, not only in the fighting, 
but in the expenses. To make it equal, therefore, that all may 
share in the honor of the conflict, the corporation should raise by 
tax a sum sufficient to cover the whole expenditure. The extent 
of this sum of course cannot now be ascertained, but that sufficient 
means may be provided at once, I recommend the immediate ap- 
propriation of one million dollars. I am aware that the tax levy, as 
adopted by the Legislature, contemplates no expenditure on this 
account; but what of that! A noble people, who are willing to 
give up their blood for such a cause, should be allowed to tax them- 
selves without permission, and I have no fear that a resj)ousibility 
now assumed for such an object v/ill not meet with the hearty 
approval of the next Legislature. At any rate, this is not a time to 
give heed to technical difficulties. Let us raise the required funds, 
and trust to the patriotism of the people to sustain us. If the sum 
is not now in the treasury, the banks will doubtless proffer the 
amount upon the credit of the city. These institutions are in the 
hands of patriotic men, who will be ready to make common cause 
with the people in a cause so dear to us all. 

Fernando Wood, Mayor. 

BOARD OF ALDERMEN" 

President, Mr. Genet, in the chair. 

Mr. Boole presented a preamble and resolution, tendering the 
support of this city to the Government to equip troops and tender 
money when necessary. 

Whereas, Seven of the States composing the American L^nion 
have renounced the Constitution and Government of the United 
States, which were established with their consent, and have con- 
federated together for the purpose of organizing a Government of 
their own ; and 

Whereas, Li the prosecution of this design they have chosen 
certain civil officers, and have raised and equipped armies, and are 
now engaged in open war against the authority and possession of the 
United States ; and 

Whereas, The President of the United States, by virtue of the 
authority vested in him by the Constitution and the Laws, and in 
the fulfillment of his duty to defend, protect, and preserve the Union, 
has issued his Proclamation, calling upon the State of New York, 
among others, for means to repel aggression, to resist invasion, and 



233 

to restore the authority of the Government over the places within 
its rightful and exclusive jurisdiction ; be it therefore 

Resolved, By the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the 
city of New York, that we tender to the President of the United 
States the assurance of the unqualified support of the people of this 
city in all needful measures, which have for their object the 
preservation of the Union, the maintenance of the Constitution, 
the enforcement of the Laws, and the vindication of the just 
authority of the Government ; and be it further 

Resolved, That we earnestly recommend to all our fellow- 
citizens to unite in the most cordial and effective manner to pro- 
mote the organization and equipment of the troops to be raised in 
obedience to the requisition made by the President, that the money, 
credit, and resources of this municipality will at all times be forth- 
coming whenever the same may be necessary in aid of the Govern- 
ment, and that the sum of dollars be appropriated for the 
purpose of furnishing to each regiment mustered into the service 
from this city a stand of colors and suitable outfit for active service, 
the same to be expended by and under the direction of a Board, to 
be composed of the Mayor and the heads of the several Depart- 
ments of Finance, Streets, City Inspector; and be it further 

Resolved, That we invoke in this crisis the unselfish patriotism 
and the unfaltering loyalty which have been uniformly manifested 
in all periods of national peril by the population of the city of New 
York; and while we reiterate our undiminished affection for the 
friends of the Union who have gallantly and faithfully labored in 
the Southern States for the preservation of peace and the restora- 
tion of fraternal relations among the people, and readiness to co- 
operate with them in all honorable measures of reconciliation, 
yet we only give expression to the convictions of our constituents 
when we declare it to be their unalterable purpose, as it is their 
solemn duty, to do all in their power to uphold and defend the in- 
tegrity of the Union, to vindicate the honor of our flag, and to crush 
the power of those who are enemies in war, as in peace they were 
friends. 

Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions 
be transmitted to the President of the United States, and to the 
Governor of the State of New York. 

Adopted. 

Mr. Boole also offered a resolution that a Select Committee of 
Five be appointed to ascertain and report to the Board at its next 



234 

meeting the cost of equipping each regiment of volunteers mustered 
into service in the city. 

Adopted, and Messrs. Boole, Froment, Chipp, Farley and Smith 
were appointed as such Committee. 

Mr. Smith offered the following resolution: 

Wliereas, A due regard to the welfare and comfort of the families 
of many of the valiant sons of the Empire City wlio have volunteered 
or may hereafter volunteer in the service of the General Govern- 
ment in its determination to crush rebellion and sedition in the 
seceded States of the Union, imperatively demands that the city 
authorities should make ample provision for the maintenance of the 
above-mentioned class of our people, thereby giving the assurance 
to our volunteers that in their absence in defence of the flag of the 
nation, those in measure depending upon them for support will 
receive, as they deserve, the fostering care of our municipal author- 
ities ; be it therefore 

Resolved, That the sum of $500,000 be and the same is hereby 
appropriated for the purpose indicated in the foregoing preamble, 
that the Committee appointed by the meeting at Union Square on 
Saturday, of which the Hon. John A. Dix is Chairman, be requested 
to act as the almoners in dispensing the necessary assistance to 
those requiring it, aiid they are hereby requested to draw upon 
the Comptroller of this city, from time to time, for such amounts as 
may be necessary for the purposes and in furtherance of the objects 
of tlie above preamble. 

Laid over under the Rules. 



Mr. Chipp offered a resolution that the State authorities be 
authorized to erect barracks in the park, which was carried. 

A resolution was received from the Board of Councilmen appropri- 
ating $500 for a stand of colors to be presented to Colonel E. E. 
Ellsworth. 

Laid over under the Rules. 

An ordinance passed by the Councilmen making an appropria- 
tion of 11,000,000 for the equipment and outfit of regiments, to be 
expended under supervision of the Committee of Twenty-five, was 
unanimously concurred in. The Comptroller is authorized to borrow 
the money on a stock to be called the "Union Defence Bonds." 

******** 
A resolution from the Board of Councilmen was amended so as 



235 

to read, " That the several heads of Departments and Bureaus con- 
nected with the City Government be, and they are, authorized and 
directed to continue upon their pay rolls every person, who has 
been permanently on the pay-i'olls for the past month, belonging to 
any organized militia company, or who may enlist for the protec- 
tion of the Constitution and the upholding of the honor of his 
country." 
Adopted. 

BOARD OF COUNCILMEN 

President, Mr. Jones, in the chair. 

Mr. Stevenson announced officially that Councilman Ottiwell 
had departed on Sunday wifh his regiment for Washington. 

The President submitted an ordinance making an appropriation 
in aid of the defence of the National Union, and authorizing the 
borrowing of money for that purpose. The ordinance appropriated 
$1,000,000 for the purpose of procuring the necessary equipments 
and outfits of the military force of the City of New York now en- 
gaged and to be engaged. The money so appropriated to be paid 
by the Comptroller upon vouchers to be approved by a Committee 
to be known as the '' Union Defence Committee of the City of New 
York," consisting of the Mayor, Comptroller, Presidents of the 
Boards of the Common Council, and the gentlemen appointed at 
the Great Union Meeting last Saturday at Union Square. The 
Comptroller is authorized to borrow, from time to time, on the 
credit of the Corporation, such sums as may be required to meet 
the payments and to issue bonds, to be designated " Union Defence 
Fund Bonds of the City of New York," and to bear interest at a 
rate not exceeding seven per cent. 

The ordinance was unanimously adopted. 
16 



236 



CIECULAES OF THE COMMITTEE 

Union Defence Committee of the City of New York, 

No, 30 Pine Street, April 24, 1861. 

Sir: At a meeting of the citizens of New York, held on Satur- 
day, the twentieth inst., a Committee was appointed to represent 
the citizens in the collection of fnnds, and the transaction of such 
other business in aid of the movements of the Government as the 
public interests might require. 

The undersigned have been appointed a Committee of Cor- 
respondence in behalf of the General Committee constituted at the 
public meeting, and take leave respectfully to say that they will be 
happy to receive any communication of information, advice or 
suggestion, on the subject of the present state of public affairs, and to 
convey any information which they possess or may receive that will 
advance the public interests. With this view, they subjoin a copy of 
the organization of the Union Defence Committee, and the address 
of each member of the Committee of Correspondence, and beg that 
any subject of interest may be communicated, either by mail or by 
telegraph, to any member of the General Committee, and they 
promise immediate attention thereto. 

They beg to be advised of the organization of any similar 
committees of citizens with which they may put themselves in 
communication. 

With great respect, 

Your obedient servants, 
Hamilton Fish, 

William M. Evarts, Committee 

Edwards Pierrepont, v of 

James T. Brady, Correspondence. 

John J. Cisco, 

N.B. — The Committee has rooms at No. 30 Pine Street, open all 
day, and at Fifth Avenue Hotel, open in the evening. 

The Union Defence Committee of the City of New York 
AND OF its Citizens. 

Office No. 30 Pine Street, New York, April 25, 1861 . 
The permanent offices of this Committee are now established in 
this building, where, from and after this date, all communications 
must be addressed. 



237 

The Committee will meet daily at 12 m. Office hours are from 
9 A.M. to 5 P.M. 

The Executive Committee will meet daily in addition to the 
above, at the Fifth Avenue Hotel at 8 p.m. 

The United States Government, the State Government, the 
Municipal Authorities and Citizens of New York, are in cordial 
and active co-operation with this Committee. 

The Committee is organized as follows : 

John A. Dix, CItairman, Charles H. Marshall, 

Simeon Draper, Vice- Chairmmi, Eobert 11. McCurdy, 

William M. Evarts, Secretary, Moses H. Grinnell, 

Theodore Dehon, Treasurer, . Royal Phelps, 

Moses Taylor, William E. Dodge, 

Eichard M. Blatchford, Greene C. Bronson, 

Edwards Pierrepont, Hamilton Fish, 

Alex. T. Stewart, William F. Havemeyer, 

Samuel Sloan, Charles H. Russell, 

John Jacob Astor, Jr., James T. Brady, 

John J. Cisco, Rudolph A. Witthaus, 

James S. Wadsworth, Abiel A. Low, 

Isaac Bell, Prosper M. Wetmore, 

James Boorman, A. C. Richards, 

The Mayor of the City of New York, 
The Comptroller of the City of New York, 
The President of the Board of Aldermen, 
The President of the Board of Councilmeu. 

Executive Committee of the Union' Defence Committee. 

Simeon Draper, Chairman, John A. Dix, ex-officio, 

Theodore Dehon, Treas. ex-officio, Charles H. Russell, ex-officio, 
Moses H. Grinnell, James S. Wadsworth, 

A. C. Richards, Isaac Bell, 

Richard M. Blatchford, Charles H. Marshall, 

Samuel Sloan, John Jacob Astor, Jr. 

Prosper M. Wetmore, Secretary. 

Committee of Finance. 

Charles H. Russell, Chairman, A. A. Low, 
James Boorman, Theodore Dehon, 

Moses Taylor. 



238 

Committee of Correspondence. 

Hamilton Fish, Chairmstn, Edwards Pierrepont, 

"William M. Evarts, James '1\ Brady, 

John J. Cisco. 

Committee on Subscriptions and Collections. 

Alex. T. Stewart, Chairman, William F. Ilavemej-ei-, 
William E. Dodge, Ptudolph A. Witthaus, 

Eobert H. McCurdy, Royal Phelps. 

All appropriations will be made on written application at the 
office of the Committee, Koom 14, No. 30 Pine Street. 

Ecceipts and disbursements at the office of the Treasurer, Room 
No. 8. 

Published by order of the Executive Committee. 

Executive Committee 
arrangement of sub-committees 

On P^irchase of A7^ms and Ammunitimi. — Mr. Astor, Mr. 
Sloan, Mr. Richards. 

On Jpplicaiiovs for Provisions mid Sujj^^lies—M.'R. Grinnell, 
Mr. Marshall, Mr, Sloan. 

On Aid to Regiments. — Mr. Richards, Mr. Wetmore, Mr. 
Sloan, Hon. Fernando Wood, Mayor, Hon. Henry W. Genet, 
President Board of Aldermen. 

On AjjpUcations for Relief to Families of Soldiers. — Mr. Bell, 
Mr. Marshall, Mr. Grinnell, Hon. Morgan Jones, President 
Board of Coimcilmen, in connection with committees composed of 
the Aldermen and two citizens in each ward. 

On Application for Transport of Troops and Provisions. — Mr. 
Marshall, Mr. Wadsworth, Mr. Grinnell. 

On Funds. — Mr. Blatchford, Mr. Astor, Mr. Bell, Hon. 
Robert T. Haws, Comptroller. 

On Naval Affairs. — Mr. Marshall, Mr. Grinnell, Mr. 
Wadsworth. 

Mr. Draper, Chairman and Mr. Dehon, Treasurer, members 

ex-officio of each Standing Committee. 

By order of Executive Committee, 

S. Draper, Chairman. 
P. M. Wetmoee, Secretary. 



239 



UNIO^T DEFENCE COMMITTEE 

Saturday, May 4, 1861. 
Those of our patriotic fellow-citizens, who arc able, and who have 
not contributed to the Fund for the Defence of the Union and the 
proper equipment and comfort of the brave volunteers who enlist in 
support of our country's flag, are earnestly requested to send their 
contributions immediately to either member of the Committee on 
Collections and Subscriptions, viz. : 

Alex. T. Stewart, 

Wm. F. Havemeyer, 

Wm. E. Dodge, 

\l. A. WiTTHAUS, 
E. H. McCURDY, 

PlOyal Phelps, 

Or to Theodore Dehox, Treasurer, No. 30 Pine Street. 

By order of the Committee, 

Alex. T. Stewart, Chairman. 
R. H. McCuRDT, Secretartj. 



Union Defence Committee of the Citizens of New York, 

No. 30 Pine Strket, May 18, 1861. 

Conditions on which regiments will be accepted for immediate 
service, under the authority granted to this Committee, by the 
President of the United States : 

I. Eegiments designated to be inspected on the same day, and, 
as nearl}^ as practicable, at the same hour. 

II. Commissioned officers of all such regiments must signify 
their assent to these conditions by affixing their names to the printed 
regulations which accompany this notice ; and also by strict com- 
pliance with the following : 

1. The service to be for three years, or for the war, at the 
option of the President. 

2. The Roll of Commissioned and Non-Commissioned 
Officers to be delivered to the Inspector at this office before the 
hours named for inspection. 

3. Company Rolls, properly authenticated, to be exhibited 
to the Inspector. 

4. Requisitions for clothing and equipments to be sub- 
mitted in detail to the Committee for their consideration. 



240 

5. A statement of camp equipage, required in conformity 
with Army Regulations, to be furnished to the Committee as 
early as practicable. 

6. Return of arms in possession of the regiment, and an accu- 
rate statement of the number and description required to 
complete the armament, to be furnished the Inspector. 

7. Estimate of the total amount of money required to place 
the regiment in condition for immediate service, regard being 
had in every instance to economy and efficiency, to be fur- 
nished for the consideration of the Committee immediately. 

8. An accurate statement of all existing debts incurred in 
the equipment or outfit of the regiment to be furnished previ- 
ous to the inspection. 

9. The Roll of each company to state the residence of each 
member for the last six months. 

S. Drapee, 

Chairman Executive Committee. 
M. Wetmore, 

Secretary Executive Committee. 



REPORT OF SELECT COMMITTEE ON INSPECTION OF 

REGIMENTS 

Union Defence Committee of the Cxtiz;ens op New York, 

Office, No. 30 Pine Street, 1861. 

In Executive Committee. 

New York, May 33, 1861. 

The Committee api)ointed to make proper arrangements for the 
inspection of the ten Regiments, respectfully report : 

The inspection will take place on Saturday, 23d instant, at 
3 o'clock, P.M. The ground selected for the parade of the Regiments 
is Fourteenth Street from Tenth Avenue to the East River, in the 
following order, namely, right resting on Tenth Avenue : 

No. 1. Anderson Zouaves on block between Tenth and Ninth 
Avenues. 

No. 2. DeKalb Regiment, on block between Ninth and Eighth 
Avenues. 

No. 3. Mozart Regiment, on block between Eighth and 
Seventh Avenues. 

No. 4. Tammany Regiment, on block between Seventh and 
Sixth Avenues. 



241 

No. 5. Garibaldi Guards, on block between Sixth and Fifth 
Avenues. 

No. 6. Adams' New York Legion, on block between Fifth and 
Fourth Avenues. 

No. 7. Second Firemen's Zouaves, on block between Fourth 
and Third Avenues. 

No. 8. Eleventh Regiment, on block between Third and 
Second Avenues. 

No. 9. First Scott Life-Guard, on block between Second and 
First Avenues. 

No. 10. Fifty-Fifth Regiment, Colonel LeGal, on block be- 
tween First Avenue and Avenue A. 

The Committee desire that the Police authorities may be re- 
quested to furnish proper protection on the line of parade, and that 
the Secretary give due notice to all parties interested. 

Samuel Sloan, 
John J. Astor, Jun., 
R. M. Blatchford, 
Fernando Wood. 



New York, May 23, 1861. 
The Report of the Select Committee was adopted and ordered to 
be furnished to the Commanding Officers of the several Regiments 
to be inspected. 

Commanding Officers who are not yet supplied with the proper 

blanks, will send for them at the office. No. 30 Pine Street, before 

the time of inspection. 

By order of the Executive Committee. 

S. Draper, Chairman. 
P. M. Wetmore, Secretary. 



Union Defence Committee of the Citizens of New York, 

Office No. 30 Pin^ Street. 
In Executive Committee. 

New York, May 24. 1861. 

special instructions for inspection of regiments. 

Colonels of Regiments will report at the house of Hon. Moses 
H. Grinnell, Fourteenth Street, corner of Fifth Avenue, at half- 
past two o'clock p.m., on Saturday 25th instant. 



242 

The inspection will commence at three o'clock p.m. precisely, 
and will be conducted by members of the Union Defence Commit- 
tee in person, to whom official reports will be made. 

The Committee will be assisted in the military details by Colonel 
Keyes, Lieutenant Dodge, and Doctor Crawford of the United 
States Army, and Brigade Major Smith of the First Brigade, New 
York State Militia, who will be respected accordingly. 

Published by order of the Executive Committee. 

Simeon Draper, Chairman. 
Peospee M.Wetmoke, Secretary. 



COMMUNICATIONS TO THE COMMON 
COUNCIL 

CITY FUND 



COMMUNICATIONS TO THE COMMON COUNCIL 

CITY FUND 



Union Defence Committee of the Citizens of New Yoek, 

Office, No. 30 Pine Street, New Yokk, May 20, 1861. 

To Ms Honor the 3Iayor and Common Council of the City of New 
Yorh. 
Gentlemen: We have the honor to submit herewith Report of 
the Executive Committee which has this day been adopted, and 
ordered to be transmitted to the Common Council. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servants. 

S. Draper, 

Chairman. 
Pbosper m. Wetmore, 
Secretary, pro tern. 

Note. — This the First Report of the Executive Committee of the Union 
Defence Committee, under date of May 20, 1861, appears on pages 111 to 114 
of the present volume. 

Union Defence Committee of the Citizens of New Yokk, 

Office, No. 30 Pine Street, New York, May 20, 1861. 

To the Honorable the Mayor and Common Council of the City of 
New York: 
y^ We have the honor to inclose a Report of the Union Defence 

Committee of the City of New York, on the subject of the disburse- 
ments of this Committee, under the ordinance of the City Govern- 
ment, approved April 23, 1861. 

We liave the honor to be your obedient servants. 

Hamilton Fish, 

Chairman. 
Wm. M. Evarts, 
Secretary. 

Note. — This letter and Report are printed in Document No. 18, Board of 
Aldermen, September 9, 1861, page 19. The Report appears on page 146 of this 
volume. It was made by a Special Committee of which Mr. Evarts wa.s Chair- 
man. See page 78. 

245 



246 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON" COUNCIL 

111 connection with the foregoing subject (the Report of the 
Union Defence Committee to the city authorities), Alderman Boole 
presented the following Report of Committee on Ordiniinces mak- 
ing an appropriation in aid of the defence of the National Union, 
and authorizing the borrowing of money, and the issue of bonds 
for that purpose : 

Report of Committee on Ordinances 

The undersigned Committee on Ordinance of the Board of Alder- 
men, to Avhom was referred the preamble and resolutions instruct- 
ing the Committee to report at this meeting an Ordinance to pro- 
vide for the moneys in aid of the defence of tiie National Union, 
have had tlie same under consideration, and report the following 
Ordinance and recommend its passage. 

G. M. Platt, ) ^ 

F. J. A. Boole, ^«^"«^«^^ on 

MeyFrear, ( Ordinances. 

An Ordinance 

Making an appropriation in aid of the Defence of the Na- 
tional Union and authorizing the borrowing of money 
and the issuing of bonds for that purpose. The Mayor, 
Aldermen and Commonalty of the City of New York do 
ordain as follows : 

Sec. 1. Tlie sum of five hundred thousand dollars is hereby appro- 
priated for the purpose of procuring the necessary equipments, uni- 
forms, arms and outfit, and for the necessary maintenance Avhile in 
this city, of the military force enlisted in the City of New York^ 
whicli have been accepted or may be hereafter accepted by the 
President of the United States, and to provide for the aid and 
support of the families of such of the officers and men so engaged as 
may require the same. 

Sec. 2. The money so appropriated should be paid by the Comp- 
troller, upon vouchers, to be approved by a Committee to be com- 
posed of the Mayor, the Comptroller, the President of the Board of 
Aldermen, the President of the Board of Councilmen, the Chair- 
man of the Finance Committee of tlie Board of Aldermen, the Chair- 
man of the Finance Committee of the Board of Councilmen, and 
the President of the " Union Defence Committee of the Citv of New 



247 

York," Hon. Hamilton Fisli. The vouchers aforesaid shall be cer- 
tified in meeting by the Chairman of the said Committee. 

Sec. 3. The Comptroller is hereby authorized to borrow from 
time to time, on the credit of the Corporation, such sum or sums 
as may be required to meet the payments authorized by the pre- 
ceding section and to issue bonds of the Corporation therefor, which 
shall be known as the ''Union Defence Fund of the City of New 
York," and bear interest at a rate not exceeding seven per cent, per 
annum. 

Sec. 4. The said bonds shall be signed by the Comptroller, coun- 
tersigned by the Mayor, and sealed Avith the common seal of tlie 
Corporation, attested by the clerk of the Common Council ; and 
the principal thereof shall be redeemable within one year from the 
dates thereof. 

Sec. 5. The parties contracting for or furnishing any articles of 
uniforms, equipment, or outfit provided for in this Ordinance, 
shall have the option to demand and receive the bonds issued in 
conformity with this ordinance in lieu of money, as they shall so 
elect, in payment of their accounts duly audited and countersigned 
as aforesaid when giving ten days' notice of such election to the 
Comptroller. 

Sec. 6. In the payment of said bonds, and the interest to accrue 
upon the same, the faith of the Corporation of the City of New 
York, and also all sums which may hereafter be received from the 
State of New York, or the United States, for the purpose of reim- 
bursing the expenses incurred in pursuance of this Ordinance, are 
hereby solemnly pledged, and the Comptroller is hereby authorized 
and required to redeem and cancel the said bonds from time to 
time, at or before the maturity of the same. 

Union Defence Committee, New Yoke, August 21, 1861. 

To his Honor the Mayor and Commo7i Council of the City of New 

York : 

Gentlemen : "\Ye have the honor to submit herewith two several 

Reports of the Executive Committee, bearing date respectively 29th 

June* and 20th August,* which have this day been adopted, and 

* I7ie Second Report of the Executive Committee of the Union Defence 
Committee, dated June 29, ^rAth an Appendix containing a table of Regiments 
assisted by Union Jiefence Committee, appears on pages 115-121 of the present 
volume. The Third Report of the Executive Committee dated August 21, 1861^ 
appears on pages 121 to 125 of the present volume. From the first of these 
documents there was omitted the location of the Regiments which is noic supplied. 



248 

together with an abstract of Expenditures from the City Fund, 
ordered to be transmitted to the Common Council. The detailed 
Eeports are open to examination at this office. We subjoin, like- 
wise, detailed Report and Statements of Sub-Committee on " Eelief 
to Families of Soldiers." 

Very respectfully your obedient servants. 

S. Draper, 

Vice- Chair 7nan. 
Prosper M. Wetmore, 
Secretary, pro tem. 

Present location of Eegiments [56] assisted by the Union 
Defence Committee, June 29, 1861. 

Present location : 

At Washington, Volunteers 16 Regts. 

At or near Washington, Militia 13 " 

29 Regts. 

At Fortress Monroe, Volunteers 10 " 

At or near New York 9 " 

Viz.: loth Regiment, Murphy. 
25 th " Kerrigan. 

32d « Mathesson. 

36th " Innis. 

o5th " Le Gal. 

De Kalb— Garibaldi. 
Tammany and Mozart. 

Elsewhere in the State of New York, viz.: 

At Elmira 5 Regts. 

At Albany 2 " 

At Troy 1 " 



Total 56 Regts. 



Union Defence Committee, Executive Committee, 

September 3, 1861. 
At a meeting of the Committee held this day, ordered, That 
the Report and Summary Statement of Expenditures of the Stand- 



249 

ing Committee on " Relief to Families of Soldiers " be adopted and 
transmitted to the Common Council. 
(Extract from the Minutes.) 

S. Draper, 
Chairman of Executive Commiitee. 
P. M. Wetmore, 

Secretary Executive Committee. 

Report of Sub-Committee of the Union Defence Committee 
ON Applications for Relief to Families of Soldiers 

New York, Avgust 31, 1861. 
To the Executive Committee of the Union Defence Committee. 
Gentlemen : 

The Sub-Committee on Applications for Relief to Families of 
Soldiers, having discharged the important and interesting duties 
devolved upon them, respectfully submit a detailed account of ex- 
penditure of the sums appropriated for the purposes involved in 
their appointment, and ask leave also to present herewith a sum- 
mary statement of the circumstances and manner of the disburse- 
ment. 

The distribution of relief commenced on the 7th of May last. 

In anticipation of a sufficient business to justify it, the large 
store. No. 10 Cooper Institute, was leased as an office from the 
Trustees, at the rate of $500 per annum, Mr. Peter Cooper offer- 
ing an individual donation of $200 of the amount to the Relief 
Fund. While awaiting the preparation of those premises, the large 
room No. 20 on the main floor of the Institute was temporarily 
occupied, and the amount of business transacted during the first 
few days seemed to indicate that it, as well as the store below, would 
probably afford sufficient accommodation for the purpose. But ere 
the close of the first week's labor this illusion was dispelled; as 
within that time the rapid increase of the number of applicants 
demonstrated that neither of those localities would begin to suffice, 
either in size or convenience of arrangement. 

The pressure of the crowd, befofe the tenth day, became so 
severe, that the procurement of larger and more convenient prem- 
ises was an absolute necessity, and providentially the large vacant 
store No. 14 Fourth Avenue presented itself. It was immediately 
secured and put in order, and its occupation commenced on Monday, 
May 20th. 



250 

But the demand upon the fund at our disposal, created by the 
sudden uprising of the people, and the rush to arms of so many 
thousands of our fellow-citizens at the call of their country, leaving 
their families at brief notice, soon caused a pressure of applicants, 
which even that spacious apartment was inadequate to accommo- 
date. While the room was filled to its utmost capacity during the 
greater part of the day, a crowd, chiefly of the female heads of 
families, occupied the pavement, waiting their turn to receive the 
aid so generously extended by the Corporation and citizens. A 
yet more ample accommodation, therefore, soon became imperative, 
and this was fortunately at hand in the adjoining store, No. 16, of 
equal size with the other, and divided from it only by a slight 
wooden partition, through Avhich doors of ingress and egress were 
readily made. 

The area of the floors thus occupied is 75 x 60 feet, and although 
the two apartments together have, 'on some occasions, been over- 
crowded for several successive hours, with the continual influx of 
applicants, yet all were seated, and the arrangements such as to 
avoid any loss of comfort or time, except what was incidental to 
the great amount of business performed. 

The system adopted by your Committee for ascertaining the 
validity of the claims upon the fund, for security against deception 
and for the ready relief of the families, proved effective, though 
demanding of the benevolent citizens who generously consented to 
supervise the affairs in each Ward no little sacrifice of time and 
trial of patience. 

The first duty in relation to the distribution of the fund was to 
fix the allowance to each family and individual. To render this 
satisfactory to all parties, and to secure a unanimity of sentiment, a 
meeting of all the members of the Ward Committees (four in each) 
was invited to be held on the evening of May 6th, and after a full 
and free interchange of opinions, the following maximum allowance 
was determined upon : for the head of the family, thj'ee dollars a 
week; for one child, one dollar a week; and for each additional 
child, Jialf-a-dollar a week. These rates were continued about one 
month, when the advent of summer, and the abundance and mod- 
erate price of food, together with the unexpectedly large demand 
upon the fund induced a reconvocationof the Ward Committees for 
the submission of the question of a reduction of the maximum 
allowance, a second meeting was accordingly held, on the evening 
of the 10th of June, at which it was determined that a reduction 
should be made of one dollar in the allowance to the head of each 



251 

family. This was accordingly done, and continued till the close of 
the account. 

In addition to this, your Committee reserved the right of 
authorizing extra amounts in cases of sickness, or other extraordi- 
nary circumstance. 

This method of measuring the amount of aid (allowing so much 
per capita for the family), while it seemed to be the most equitable 
and satisfactory that could be devised, demanded great vigilance on 
the part of the Ward Committees to whom was intrusted the duty 
of granting the " order for relief," as no little temptation was thus 
held out to unscrupulous people to make false representations of 
the numbers in famil\^, and thus, while committing a fraud, depriv- 
ing the honest claimants of a portion of their right to the limited 
means at our disposal, and Ave regret to be obliged to say that 
several persons have been found base enough to attempt this and 
other kinds of deception. 

The labors of the Ward Committees were began with much zeal, 
and in many instances, even in some of the most populous sections, 
carried on to the end with faithful assiduity. It soon became 
apparent, however, that in some of the Wards, the duty of family 
visitation and examination required more time than could reason- 
ably be expected of the individual members of the Committees, and 
the appointment of visitors for this purpose was therefore author- 
ized, by such of the Committees as might choose to avail themselves 
thereof, at a rate of compensation not exceeding nine dollars a week. 
About one-half of the Ward Committees accepted the proposition, 
the others preferring to continue the labor personally, in order to 
economize the fund for its strictly legitimate purpose. 

The value, and indeed the necessity, of personal examinations of 
the applicants at their domiciles, for the verifications of their 
statements as to the number in family, their true relationship to the 
soldiers, their circumstances and condition, their dependence on 
the soldier for support, etc., Avas early made apparent, and your 
Committee have great reason to believe that, for want of such in- 
vestigation, no inconsiderable amount of money has been unwilling- 
ly paid on improper " orders."' 

We can cite some instances of soldiers' certificates having been 
given to unworthy persons, who drew money as wives, and this 
even though the Avives Avere living ; others in Avhich relief has been 
claimed by two Avives of the same soldier, both having marriage 
certificates ; others in Avhicli the soldiers bore no other relation to 
the claimants than boarders ; others of the wife obtaining an '-'order '* 
17 



252 

in one Ward, and the mother and sister in anotlier; others in which 
the applicants lived in other cities and states, though claiming as 
living in this city. 

In other instances, the money was wanted for, and actually sent 
to relatives in Ireland. Soldiers who had deserted, or been dis- 
charged for incapacity, but who had received certificates of enlist- 
ment, continued to use them afterward ; and cases have even come 
to light of men having joined two regiments, receiving certificates, 
and drawing money on both, although rejected from both on final 
examination. It has been a too-frequent practice for enlisting 
officers to receive notoriously incompetent men, apparently for the 
mere purpose of showing a full quota, holding out to them the in- 
ducement that their families would be supported by this fund, thus 
burdening it improperly, and giving no notice of the recruits' final 
discharge, whereby they have been enabled to draw^ money until 
detected by accident. 

Such were some of the plans which were adopted by unscrupu- 
lous persons to obtain tlie weekly pittances from the fund, which 
only a thorough investigation of each case by the disbursing officer 
enabled him to detect and prevent. The care thus exercised re- 
sulted in the saving of an amount nearly or quite sufficient to cover 
all tlie expenses attendant upon the distribution of the whole fund, 
including the salaries, stationery, advertising, furniture, etc., of all 
the Avard and central offices, and six montjis' rent of the premises 
in the Fourth Avenue, which were occupied by us only two months, 
and are now used by the Comptroller, as the disbursing offices of 
two of the Senatorial districts. 

On the evening of July 1st, an examination of the bank and 
cash accounts exhibited the fact that the unexpended balance of the 
$200,000 which had been appropriated, was insufficient for another 
day's payments, and involved the sad necessity of closing the doors, 
and the disappointment of tlie numerous holders of tickets on 
which partial payments had been made. The small amount which 
remained, less than $2,000, was reserved for the use of such cases of 
pressing need as might arise before means could be obtained for a 
resumption of payments. 

The necessity of further supplies soon became apparent in the 
cry of distress which rose upon the public ear, and increased in 
anguish as day after day went by, without relief to the hungry and 
helpless. 

Before the subsequent action of the Common Council could be 
brought into effect, your Committee, regarding the unredeemed and 



253 

outstanding tickets held by the wives and families of the soldiers in 
the light of pledges of payment by the Union Defence Committee, 
obtained from the Executive Committee an additional appropriation 
of $30,000 for the redemption of all such, and on the 19th of July 
commenced calling them in. 

The number of persons at the door on that morning soliciting 
aid was about half a dozen only, but with such speed did the news 
of the redemption fly, tliat before the close of the day, Avithout any 
public notice whatever, 1,720 tickets were exchanged for coin. The 
whole sum was thus expended in six days, in nearly 5,000 payments, 
to the great relief of the whole community, and the needy families 
of soldiers especially. 

The total number of families who received aid from the fund 
was a fraction less than 12,000; the number of payments made was 
about 35,000 ; and the whole amount expended, 1230,000. 

A donation of $100 in pennies, from Mrs. Hopkins, of 420 Sixth 
Avenue, was received, and handed over to A. A. Low, Esq., Treas- 
urer of Union Defence Committee. 

The Committee are under obligations to S. C. Herring & Co. for 
the gratuitous use of an iron safe, and to Mr. Southack for the loan 
of a few articles of office furniture. 

Appended hereto is a detailed statement of the expenditures. 
Kespectfully submitted by 

Isaac Bell, \ Sub-Committee on 

M. H. Grinnell, K. -Application for Belief 
C. H . Marshall, j to families of Soldiers. 



254 

Summary Statement of Disbursement of $230,000 appropriated 

for aid of families. 

May, June and July, received by checks $230,000 00 

July, returned from three wards 148 50 



$230,148 50 
Paid on tickets, as per books. May, June 

and July $226,316 25 

Sundries, May, June and July 3,855 22 



$230,171 47 
Apparent excess of disbursements over receipts 22 97 

$220,171 47 



Statement of Disbursements from May 7 to July 12, 1861. 
Payments on Tickets. 

Amounts paid on tickets $196,438 00 

Sundry expenses, per statement annexed* 3,584 97 

$200,022 97 

Statement of Disbursements of the additional appropriatioji of 

$30,000. 

Eeceived by checks $30,000 00 

Keturned from three wards 148 50 



,148 50 



Paid on outstanding tickets, July 19th to 25th $29,878 25 

Sundries 270 25 



Note. — This Summary Statement appears on pages 64 to 71 of printed 
Documents No. 18 Board of Aldermen, Sept, 9, 1861. 

* This petty cash account is here omitted. 



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APPENDIX 



CLAIM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK 



ON 



THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT 



FOR 



REIMBURSEMENT 



INTKODUCTORY NOTE 

The Editor of the Report of the Union Defence Committee 
of the City of New York was left free to exercise his judgment 
in the selection for print and publication from the large mass 
of manuscript papers placed in his hands. 

The foregoing pages include the Minutes of the General 
Committee in full, all of the Reports of the Executive Com- 
mittee and of the Sub-Committees of Detail. 

The last pages of this Report were going through the press 
when the intention to revive the claim of the city was pubHcly 
announced. The Editor therefore collated the documents, and 
prints in the following Appendix all the correspondence relating 
to the subject of Expenditure and Reimbursement omitted in the 
body of the Report. 

The action of the Municipality in the presentation of the 
claims for reimbursement and the recent correspondence o His 
Honor Mayor Grace and the Comptroller of the City with 
regard to a renewal of the claims complete the record. 



REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENDITURES 

Note. — Under the heading of Reimbursements of Expenditures there 
appear in this volume, pages 191 to 20:3, parts of the corre.-^pondence of the 
Union Defence Committee with the United States Government and the Govern- 
ment of the State of New York on the subject of a Refund of Moneys ex- 
pended on account of the City Fund and of that subscribed by private citizens. 
Tlie letters which follow complete the record as it is found in the minutes and 
documents of the Committee. The " Correspondence with officers of the 
United States Government in relation to claims for reimbursement of advances 
made to Regiments of Voluiiteers by the Union Defence Committee" makes 
part of tlie appendix to the Reports, Resolutions and Documents of the Union 
Defence Committee of the Citizens of New Yorli, published by the Committee 
in 1863, and is now complete in these pages. — Editor. 



EEIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENDITURES 
ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE 



Union Defence Committee of the Citizens of New Yoke, 

Office, 30 Pine Street, New York, October 28, 1861. 

Sir : — In tlie organization of many of the Volunteer Regiments 
of this State, now in the service of the United States, advances were 
made by this Committee for the purpose of insuring the speedv 
equipment and outfit of such regiments. 

A list of the names of commanding officers, and, as far as prac- 
ticable, the numbers or other designations of the several corps 
alluded to will accompany this. 

The Committee are noAV engaged in the preparation of accurate 
statements of expenditure in each case, which Avill be accompanied 
with properly authenticated vouchers to justify the reimbursement. 

Pending the time necessary for the preparation of these papers, 
so far as they relate to your department, the Committee have 
thought it advisable to make this communication to guard against 
any settlements that might conflict with the rights and interests of 
the Committee, or of those they i-epresent. 

On behalf of the Union Defence Committee. 
I am, sir, your obedient servant, 

P. M. Wetmore, 

Secretary Executive Committee. 
Colonel D. B. Sackett, 

Inspector -General U. S. Army, 

Disbursing Officer at Neio York, 
Copy addressed also to 

Colonel D. H. Vinton, 

Assistant Quartermaster General 
United States Army, New York. 

Memorandtim of Regiments assisted hy Union Defence Committee. 

Regiments of N. Y. S. Militia. 

2d Regt., Col. Tompkins. 6th Regt., Col. Pinckney. 

5th " " Schwarzwaelder. 7th " " Lefferts. 



264 



8 th Eegt. 


, Col, Lyon. 


55th Eegt. 


Col. De Trobriand 


9th " 


" Stiles. 


69th " 


" Corcoran. 


12tli " 


" Butterfield. 


71st '' 


" Martin. 


13th " 


" Smith. 


79th " 


" Elliott. 


14th " 


" Wood. 







Regiments of N. Y. S. Volunteers. 



1st Eegt., 


Col 


Allen. 


37 th Eegl 


t., Col. McCunn. 


4th 






Taylor. 


38th 


(( 


'' Ward. 


5th 






Duryee. 


39 th 


(C 


" D'Utassy. 


Gth 






Wilson. 


40th 


i( 


" Eiley. 


7th 






Bendix. 


41st 


l( 


" Von Gilsa. 


8 th 






Blenker. 


42d 


a 


" Kennedy. 


9 th 






Hawkins. 


45 th 


t( 


" Von Amsberg. 


10 th 






McChesney. 


47th 


a 


" Moore. 


11th 






Ellsworth. 


48th 


ii 


" Perry. 


15 th 






Murphy. 


And a 


few others assisted on a 


17 th 






Lansing. 


more 


limi 


ted scale. 


20 th 
25th 






Weber. 
Kerrigan. 














13 


Regiments, Militia. 


31st 






Pratt. 




26 


" Volunteers. 


32d 






Matheson. 




— 




3 Gth 






Inn is. 




38 


Eegiments. 



Union Defence Committee op the Citizens op New Yokk, 

Opfice, 30 Pine Street, New York, November 18, 1861. 

General: — In the course of its transactions with the various 
regiments forming the quota of volunteers from this State, the 
Union Defence Committee has furnished arms and munitions of 
war to regiments now in the service, of which a list is annexed. 

In making up its claims for reimbursement of advances made 
for the outfit of regiments, the Committee desires to be informed if 
claims for the cost of such articles as are comprised within the 
rules of the Ordnance Department, and which Avere issued to regi- 
ments now in the field, Avill be recognized by the United States, or 
whether the Committee shall look to the regiments for the return 
of arms and ammunition still in their possession. 

It may perhaps be proper to state that in a few instances issues 
were made to regiments which left for the seat of war at a time 
when communication could not be had with authorities at Wash- 
ington. 



265 

I beg to ask on behalf of the Committee for snob information as 
will enable it, in presenting its claims, to comply with the regula- 
tions of the Ordnance Department. 

I am, respectfully, yonr obedient servant, 

P. M. Wetmore, 

Secretary Ex. Corn., 

Union Defence Committee. 
Bkigadier-General James W. Ripley, 

Chief of Ordnance, U. 8. Army. 

Regiments of Volunteers from State of New York, to wMcli Arms, etc. , have 
been issued hy the Union Defence Committee of the City of New York. 



1. 


Second Reg't N. Y, State Militia, 


Col. Tompkins. 


2. 


Ninth 


a 


Col. Stiles. 


3. 


Seventy-ninth 


a 


Lt.-Col. Elliott, Col. Stevens. 


i. 


Fifth Regiment N. Y. S 


. v., 


Col. Duryee, Col. Warren. 


5. 


Eighth 




Col. Blenker, Col. Stahl. 


6. 


Eleventb " " 




Col. Ellsworth, Col. Loeser. 


7. 


Thirty-ninth" 




Col. D'Utassy. 


8. 


Fortieth " " 




Col. Riley. 
P. M. Wetmore, 

Secretary Ex. Com. 



Okdnance Office, Washington, December 20, 1861. 

Prosper M. Wetmore, Esq., 

No. 30 Pine Street, New York. 

Sir: — In answer to your letter of the 18th ult., I have to state 
that accounts for arms or ordnance stores, which have been pro- 
cured and issued to troops in the United States service, on proper 
authority, if sent to this office, will be examined, and transmitted 
ro the proper accounting office of the Treasury for settlement. The 
law requires that purchases of arms, equipments or other ordnance 
stores shall be made by the senior officer of the Ordnance Depart- 
ment, under the direction of the Secretary of War. Evidence, there- 
fore, of authority from the Secretary of War to make the purchases, 
must accompany accounts sent for settlement through this office; 
as also evidence of the receipt by a Government officer, or duly 
authorized agent, of the articles purchased. 

This office has not authority to recognize accounts contracted 
without the direction of the Secretary of War, nor claims for reim- 
bursements, under the act approved July 17, 1861, of expenses 



266 

incurred by the Shites " on account of volunteers called into tlie 
field." 

Respectfully your obedient servant, 

J AS. W. Ripley, 

Brigadier- General. 



Mustering Office, No. 79 Whitk Street, 

New Yokk, December 19, 1861. 
Gexeeal p. M. Wetjjoee, 

Secretary Union Defence Committee. 
Dear Sir : — I send you herewith copy of letter received this day 
from the Adjutant-General U. S. A., together witli the bills left in 
this office, which will fully explain the matter. 

I am, etc., 

W. A. Nichols, 
Lieutenant-Colonel U. S. A., 

Mustering Officer. 

Note. — Ttie letter here alluded to is ttiat ftom Geo. D. Buggies, Ass' t Adju- 
tant Oeneral, dated Wasldngton, December 17, 1861, printed on page 198 of this 
oolvme. 

United States Mustering Office, No. 79 White Stkeet, 

New Yokk, December 3(J, 1861. 
Pjiosper M. AVetmore, Esq., 

Secretarg E.recntive Committee, 

Union Defence Committee. 
Sir: — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- 
munication of the 20th inst.,*and will, as you request, send a copy 
of it to the Adjutant-General's Office. 
1 am, respectl'uljy, 

Your obedient servant, 

W. A. Nichols; 
Lieutenant-Colonel U. S. A., 

Mustering Officer. 

Union Defence Committee of the Citizens of New York, 
Office 30 Pine Street, New York, January 18, 1863. 

Executive Committee. 

Ho]sr. Edwin M. Stakton, 

Secretarji of War. 
Sir: — The within communication, f addressed to Hon. Simon 

* The communication of the 20th appears on page 199 of the present volume, 
f This communication to the Hon. Simon Cameron, dated New York, De- 
cember 31, 1861, aiipears on page 191 of this Report. — Editor. 



267 

Cameron, was prepared for transmission to the War Department on 
the day of its date, but has been withheld from considerations of 
duty to the Municipal Government of New York. 

The questions submitted to the Department are of serious im- 
portance to the city, and the undersigned therefore venture to ask 
as early action thereon as may be consistent with other duties. 

With high respect and consideration, 

Your obedient servants, 
S. Drapek, Hamilton Fish, 

Chairman, Chairman U. D. Com.y 

Wm. M. Evaets, a. a. Low, 

Sec. U. D. Com, Treasurer U. D. Com., 

Approved : P. M. WetmORE, 

E. T. Hawes, . Sec. Ex. Com. 

Gomftroller. 

List of Papers Inclosed to the Secretary of War. 

1. Letter to Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War, dated 

Jan. 18, 1862 [as above printed}. 

2. Letter to Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War, dated De- 

cember 31, 1861. [This letter appears on pages 191 to 194 
of present volume.} 

3. Letter to Gen. D. B. Sackett, mustering oflEicer (copy), dated 

November 32, 1861. [This letter appears on pages 194-5 
of present volume.} 

4. Letter from Captain G. D. Knggles, Assistant Adjutant- General 

(copy), dated December 17, 1862. [This letter appears on 
page 198 of the present volume.} 

0. Letter to Lieutenant-Colonel W. A. Nichols, mustering oflBcer 
(copy), dated December 20, 1861. [This letter appears on 
page 199 of the present volume.} 

6. Telegram from Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War (copy), 

dated August 22, 1861. [This telegram appears on page 
200 of the present vohwie.} 

7. Form of bills presented. [Of this no memorandum is found by 

editor of present volume.} 

P. M. Wetmore, 

Secretary Executive Committee 

of the Union Defence Committee. 
18 



268 

Union Defence Committee of the Citizens of New York, 

Office, 30 Pine Street, New York, January 31, 1862. 

Executive Committee. 

Hon. Elijah Ward, M, C. 

Dear Sir : — This Committee have chiims for reimbursements 
by the War Department for advances made for the outfit, etc., of 
regiments of volunteers. 

Sixty-six of the New York regiments have been aided by the 
Committee, but the larger appropriations made by them were con- 
fined to about half that number of regiments. 

You are doubtless aware that among the earliest of the regi- 
ments which arrived in Washington between the 20th April and the 
10th May, were those which Avere mainly sent forward by this Com- 
mittee. The President, the Secretary of War, and General Scott 
were kind enough to say, at that time, that the capital had been 
saved by the energetic action of the Union Defence Committee. It 
claims no further credit than to have done its duty in carrying out 
the wishes of the loyal citizens of New York. 

The funds employed for the aid of the Government were princi- 
pally derived from the fund created by the city authorities, and the 
reimbursement is pledged for the redemption of the stock issued to 
create the fund. 

Officers of the War Department have for some months past been 
engaged in paying similar demands, and the disbursing officers, on 
this station, have encouraged the Committee to present its claims 
in the same manner as other parties. 

These bills, thus submitted, have been, on reference to the Adju- 
tant-General, rejected by liim. The only course left is to appeal 
from that decision to the Secretary of War. 

This lias been doiie in a communication forwarded to-day to 
Secretary Stanton. 

Unless some personal intervention occurs, the danger is that the 
Secretary may, without examination, refer the case again to the 
Adjutant-General, who has already prejudged it. 

Will you be able to find time to see the Secretary early to- 
morrow and mention the subject, so far as to ask for a personal 
decision by him ; or, if it becomes necessary, to retain the papers 
until the Committee can be heard before the Department. 

The case is one of pressing importance to the financial interests 
of the City of New York. If these claims are rejected, or the set- 
tlement long delayed, the Comptroller will be compelled to place the 
whole amount disbursed for the outfit of regiments (not far from 



2G9 

650,000 dollars) in the tax levy of the present j'ear, and you are 
aware how heavy tlie burden is already. 

The City Government and the Committee have acted in unison 
in making these advances, and they continue thus to act in the 
duty of claiming the reimbursement. The communication to the 
War Department is signed by the officers of the Committee and 
the Comptroller of the City. 

Your kindness in calling on the Secretary in time to confer with 
him before a reference is made of the papers (without examination) 
will be gratefully acknowledged by the Committee. 

A rough copy of the principal letter (addressed to Mr. Cameron 
but forwarded to Mr. Stanton to-day) will go Avith this, wliich you 
Avill much oblige by returning when you have read it. 
In haste. 

'' Very respectfully and truly, yours, 

P. M. Wetmore, 

Secretary, Ei-Com. 
Ajiproved : 

S. Draper, 
CTiairman Ex. -Com. 



Headquarters of the Army, Adjutant-General's Office, 

Washington, D. C, February 11, 1863. 
Hon. Elijah Ward, M. C, 

House of Representatives. 
Sir : At your request, I have the honor to forward to j'ou the 
accompanying papers in relation to the Union Defence Committee 
of New York. It appears that in my letter of the 17th of Decem- 
ber, 18C1, to Lieutenant-Colonel Nichols a very important omission 
has occurred. The letter reads "no accounts of this kind can be 
paid from the appropriation," etc., it should have read "can be 
paid by you from," etc. It was not intended to give an opinion 
that the accounts of the Union Defence Committee were not 
chargeable against this fund. It was intended to state that the 
Union Defence Committee should settle their accounts at the 
Treasury Department, in the same manner as is done by the State 
Governments. Some of the accounts of the Committee appear 
chargeable against the fund for "Collecting, Drilling and Organiz- 
ing Volunteers ;" some against the Quarter-Master's Department ; 
some against the Subsistence Dej^artment ; some against the Medi- 
cal Department; and possibly some against the Ordnance Depart- 
ment. These accounts should not be settled by Colonel Nichols — 
besides this, he has sufficient business to transact, without this 



270 

amount of examination and adjustment of accounts to be re-ex- 
amined and readjusted at the Treasury Department where they 
might more properly be sent direct. 

In conclusion, I have the honor to state that the facts as herein 
set forth were represented to Captain Carr of the New York Mus- 
tering and Disbursing Office in New York, when I was there, the 
day after Christmas, and he stated that he would inform the Com- 
mittee of the omission that had been made in my letter. 
I am, sir, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

George D. Euggles, 

Assistant Adjutant- General. 



Union Defence Committee op the Citizens op ]^ew Yokk, 

Office No. 30 Pine Street, New York, February 26, 1862. 

Executive Committee, 

Hoisr. Elijah Ward, etc. 

Dear Sir : I have to acknowledge your obliging favor of the 
13th inst., covering communication of Assistant Adjutant-General 
George D. Ruggles, bearing date 11th inst., in reference to certain 
claims of the Union Defence Committee submitted to the War 
Department for reimbursement. 

I cannot perceive tliat the amendment suggested by Assistant 
Adjutant-General lluggles, to the former decision in this case, alters 
in any sense the position of the claims now before the Department 
for its action. 

The law of Congress, approved July 27, 1861, No. 18, has special 
reference to States, and it is quite apparent that the Union Defence 
Committee cannot be brought within its operation. The claims 
under notice are clearly " chargeable against the fund for collecting, 
drilling and organizing Volunteers," and they are chargeable against 
no other fund. They are all for subsistence furnished to the De 
Kalb Regiment, Forty-first New York Volunteers, and they have 
been examined and virtually approved by Colonel D. B. Sackett, late 
Mustering officer, and are stated and certified upon forms suggested 
by him. 

These claims are identical in character and equity with those 
daily and hourly paid at the Mustering office in this City. They 
are the only claims on the part of this Committee Avhich have yet 
been brought to the cognizance of the Adjutant-General's office. I 
cannot discover the pertinency of an objection to the payment of 
these bills, arising from the fact that others which the Committee 



271 

have not yec presented, may be deemed properly chargeable against 
other departments. 

It seems to me, as it does to the Committee for whom I speak, 
that a just claim, for the payment of which means have been pro- 
vided and specifically appropriated should be paid without un- 
necessary delay. When the existence of the Government was in 
peril, the Union Defence Committee did not hesitate to employ 
their means and their influence in organizing and forwaixling Vol- 
unteers to secure the safety of the capital. 

These duties of patriotism were actively continued so long as 
the exigencies of the Government required them, and they have 
not entirely ceased up to this date. 

The National crisis is past, the people have furnished the means 
for redeeming the obligations which have been incurred by the Gov- 
ernment. 

The Union Defence Committee now simply ask that they may 
have the same justice meted to them which is extended to all otiier 
citizens. They have never withheld their personal efforts to serve 
the public cause, and they are not satisfied with the answer that 
the examination of their claims will involve some amount of labor. 
In the present instance, as in reference to all others coming under 
the head of subsistence, the time and labor of examining and re- 
imbursing the claims of the Union Defence Committee, would 
have been far less than has been occupied in the correspondence 
relating to them on the one side, in regard to form ; on the other 
in advocating the simplest principles of equity. 

The Committee are under a deep sense of obligation for the kind 
assistance you have given them. 

I am, very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

S. Draper, 

Ch a irma n Ex- Co in . 
Of record : 
P. M. Wetmore, 

Secretary Ex-Com. 



272 

Payment of Volunteer Regiments Engaged by the Union 
Defence Committee 

Correspondence with the State Government 

State op New York, Executive Department, 
Albany, October 25, 1801. 

Simeon Draper, 

Chairman of the Union Defence Committee 
of Neiu York City. 

Sir : — I am directed by Governor Morgan to submit herewith a 
letter received by him from Col. Riley of the (49th) Mozart Regi- 
ment. Yon will have observed that by a recent general order (77. 
from the War Department, the Paymaster General of the U. S. A 
has been ordered to arrange for the payment of volunteers, when 
organized and accepted by the Governors of the several States, 
without, regard to the date of mustering into the service of the 
United States, provided payment has not been made by the respec- 
tive States, for which the Government will be eventually liable. 

I am directed to ask you if anything was paid the Volunteer 
Company, the Mozart Regiment, by the Union Defence Committee, 
previous to their being mustered into the United States service, 
that you will inform the Governor of the amount. 

It is presumed that the acceptance of Volunteer organizations 
by the Union Defence Committee will not be regarded by the War 
Department as an acceptance by the Governor ; and whether the 
Governor can or ought now to accept of the date at Avhich the 
Mozart Regiment was accepted by the Union Defence Committee is 
a point which it may be quite important to settle. Will you have 
the ffoodness, therefore, to advise the Governor from what date the 
Mozart Regiment should be paid. 

I am, with much respect, yours, etc., 

L. L. Doty, 

Private Secretary. 

p. s. — "Will you have the kindness to return the inclosed letter 
of Col. Riley after reading it ? 

Union Defence Committee of the Citizens of New York, 

Office, 30 Pine Street, New York, October 29, 1881. 

Executive Committee. 

Sir :— I am instructed to acknowledge the letter of 25th ultimo, 
addressed to the Chairman of the Union Defence Committee by the 
Private Secretary of your Excellency, covering communication 



273 

from Col. Edward J. Riley, commuiidiiig 40tli Regiment N. Y. S. 
Volunteers. 

In reply to your inquiries, I have to state that no payment has 
ever been made by the Union Defence Committee to tlie individual 
volunteers comprising the Mozart Regiment, It Avas accepted by 
the Committee on the 2oth of May, as one of the regiments author- 
ized to be raised by the order of the War Department, of the loth 
of that month, and the advances made to it, amounting to about 
sixty-seven thousand dollars, were for its equipment and outfit. 

The Committee have no means of determining what view will be 
taken by the War Department in regard to the acceptance as affect- 
ing the action of the State authorities. But justice to the volun- 
teers, mustered into the service of the United States, would seem to 
call for such action on the part of tlie Governor, not inconsistent 
with provisions of law, as Avould place all State regiments now in 
the field upon an equality of rights and privileges. 

The pay to these volunteers must necessarily come from the 
United States, and as the Secretary of AVar was acquainted with the 
date of acceptance, the Governor is protected against any wrong. 
The approval of the Governor at the period of acceptance, so far as 
the Committee can judge, involves no responsibility on the part of 
the State, and is simply a precedent action necessary to obtain for 
the volunteers the pay which they have earned, and which the 
Government is ready and desirous to give. 

The letter of Colonel Riley is returned, as requested. 
Very respectfully, 

For the Union Defence Committee, 
Simeon Draper, 
Chairman Executive Committee. 

Of Record, 

P. M. Wetmore, 

Secretary Executive Committee. 
His Excellency, 

E. D. Morgan, 

Governor, etc. 



274 



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27G 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOAED OF ALDEEMBN 

Stated Session, January 17, 1866 
preambles and resolutions 

"Whereas, on the breaking out of the Rebellion, in 18G1, the Com- 
mon Council, Avith the approval of our patriotic citizens, incurred 
liabilities to the extent of one million dollars, which were disbursed, 
through the Union Defence Committee, in moving forward troops 
from the city to the seat of war, supplying them with arms and am- 
munition, thus making them at once available to the United States 
Government ; and 

Whereag, only a small portion of the said amount has been re- 
paid by the United States; therefore be it 

Resolved, Tiiat the members of Congress from this city be, and 
they are hereby, requested to urge the payment by the United States 
Government of the balance unpaid of the amount expended in the 
years 1861 and 1862 through the Union Defence Committee in fur- 
nishing United States troops with arms and ammunition, including 
all the expenditures connected therewith. 

Adopted by the Board of Aldermen, January 17, 1866. 

Adopted by the Board of Councilmen, January 18, 1866. 

Approved by the Mayor, January 3'-2, 1866. 

— Extract from t%e proceedings of the Board of Aldermen, i^age 
146. 1866. 



Stated Session, March 14th, 1867. 
preambles and resolutions 

Whereas, On tiie 22d of January, 186G, a resolution was ap- 
proved by his Honor the Mayoi*, requesting the members of Con- 
gress from this city to urge the payment by the United States 
Government of the balance due and unpaid of the amount expended 
in the years 1861 and 1862 by this city, through the Union Defence 
Committee, in furnishing the United States troops with arms and 
ammunition, etc. ; and 

Whereas, The representatives from this city in the Thirty-ninth 
Congress have failed to effect a settlement of the claim of the city 
upon the General Government, amounting to about eight hundred 
thousand dollars, as requested by the resolution above referred to, and 



l^ 



277 

as it is desirable that steps should be immediately taken to cause the 
above amount so expended to be refunded to the city, be it therefore 

Resolved, That a vSpecial Committee of five members of this Board 
be appointed to proceed to the Capital, and to urge upon the proper 
officials of the United States Government the necessity and propriety 
of settling the claim of the City of New York, being for moneys vol- 
untarily tendered at a time when such pecur.iary aid was of the first 
importance to the General Government, and upon the promise then 
given, or at least implied, that such money would be, at some future 
time, refunded to the City of New York, the expense attending the 
Journey to and from Wasliington City, and all other incidental ex- 
penses, to be borne and paid by such Special Committee. 

Which was adopted. 

^Extract from Proceedings of the Board of Aldermen, page 361, 
1867. 



Eeports of Special Committees 

The Special Committee appointed pursuant to the following 
precimble and resolution, adopted by your honorable body March 
14, 1867, viz.: 

"Whereas, On the 22d of January, 186G, a resolution was ap- 
proved hj his honor the Mayor, requesting the members of Congress 
from the city to urge the payment by the United States Government 
of the balance- due and unpaid of the amount expended in the years 
1861 and 1862, by the city, through the Union Defence Committee, 
in furnishing the United States troops with arms, ammunition, etc.; 
and 

" Whereas, The representatives from the city in the Thirty-ninth 
Congress have failed to effect a settlement of the claim of the city 
upon the General Government, amounting to about eight hundred 
thousand dollars, as requested by the resolution above referred to ; 
and as it is desirable that steps should be immediately taken to cause 
the above amount so expendecl to be refunded to the city; be it 
therefore 

"Resolved, That a Special Committee of five members of this 
Board be appointed to proceed to the Capital, and to urge upon the 
proper officials of the United States Government the necessity and 
propriety of settling the claim of the City of New York, being for 
moneys voluntarily tendered at a time when such pecuniary aid was 
of the first importance to the General Government, and upon the 
promise then given, or at least implied, that such moneys would be, 



278 

at some future time, refunded to the City of New York; the expense 
attending the journey to and from Washington City, and all other 
incidental e.\p(Mises, to be borne and paid by such Special Commit- 
tee;" respectfully 

Repokt 

Tliat, in obedience to the directions contained in the above reso- 
lution, your Committee, having perfected all the preliminaries for 
their journey and having obtained from the Comptroller a statement 
showing the indebtedness of the General Government to this city for 
moneys expended through the "Union Defence Committee," in the 
years 1861 and 1862, in furnishing United States troops with arms 
and other equipments, took their departure for Washington City on 
the afternoon of Tuesday last, the 20th instant, and arrived at their 
destination the following day. 

Entertaining the belief that courtesy demanded that they should 
first communicate witli tlie Eepresentatives in Congress from this 
city, acquaint them with tlie object of their visit, and secure their 
co-operation in the effort to effect a settlement of the claim, they vis- 
ited the House of Representatives on Wednesday afternoon, and were 
received in the most friendly and agreeable manner by the members 
from this city, who appeared to vie with each other in extending 
to your Committee every consideration. 

After consultation, it was determined to wait upon the honorable 
Secretary of the Treasury first, and endeavor, if possible, to effect a 
settlement of the city's claim, or a recognition of its justness ; or, 
failing in that, then in the hope of receiving from the honorable 
gentleman at the head of -that department such information as would 
be likely to lead to the desired adjustment. The Hon. Fernando 
Wood kindly offered his services to your Committee, and through 
his good offices an interview was obtained with Secretary McCulloch. 
The chairman of your Committee explained the nature of the business 
intrusted to the Committee, and that they were authorized, on be- 
half of the corporation of the City of New York to demand payment 
of the amount of 1895,000, which Avas advanced to and expended by 
the " Union Defence Committee" of the City of New York, in equip- 
ping regiments of United States volunteers during the years 1861 
and 1862. 

The honorable Secretary, in reply, stated to your Committee that 
he believed the claim to be a just one, and regretted his inability, in 
the absence of any special act of Congress, to liquidate it, stating at 
the same time that all claims of a like character heretofore settled 



279 

were in accordance with special actwS enabling him to do so. He had 
no discretion whatever in the case, but suggested that in all proba- 
bility the War Department would take cognizance of it and effect an 
equitable adjustment. 

Your Committee, after returning their acknowledgments to the 
honorable Secretary for his kindness in according them an inter- 
view, and for the friendly interest he manifested in the case as pre- 
sented by them, withdrew, and. sought an interview with Secretary 
Stanton, of the War Department, which was readily obtained, again 
through the kind offices of the Hon. Fernando Wood. 

After patiently and attentively listening to the statements and 
explanations of your Committee, the honorable Secretary of War 
very candidly admitted the claim to be an equitable one against the 
United States Government; spoke in the highest terms of the ser- 
vices rendered and sacrifices made by the City of New York in assist- 
ing to suppress the late Eebellion ; and frankly admitted that the 
regiments forwarded from this city in times of the greatest peril had 
more than once, under Providence, been the means of saving the 
National Capital. He spoke in the most eulogistic terms of the im- 
portant services rendered by regiments from this city, and regretted 
his inability to do the city justice by immediately liquidating its 
claim for expenses thus incurred in behalf of the General Govern- 
ment, stating that in the absence of the necessary autliority from 
Congress, it was not competent for any department of the Govern- 
ment to take cognizance of the claim. He furthermore advised 
your Committee to request one of the city's representatives to intro- 
duce a resolution for the appointment of a special commission by 
Congress to audit the claim, promising them that he would extend 
every facility in his power tending to a settlement of it by such com- 
mission. 

Your Committee, after making their acknowledgments to the 
honorable Secretary for his kindness, and the apparent interest he 
manifested in furtherance of the object of their mission to the Cap- 
ital, withdrew. 

It is evident that the only mode by which the city can be reim- 
bursed the amount claimed from the General Government is the one 
pointed out by the Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War; your 
Committee so informed the members of Congress from this city at a 
subsequent interview, and received from tliem a positive assurance 
that the interest of this city in this regard would be carefully 
attended to, and that the necessary steps would be immediately 
taken, solely with that object in view. 



280 

At an interview witli the representatives of tlie city in Congress, 
on Friday last, and previous to the departure of your Committee for 
their homes, it was definitely settled tliat tlie advice of the Honora- 
ble Secretary Stanton should be implicitly followed, and the resolu- 
tion providing for the appointment of the special commission 
would be introduced into the House of Eepresentatives by one of 
our city members at an early day. 

The marked attention with which the representations of your 
Committee were received, as well by the members of Congress as by 
the heads of the Treasury and War Departments, and the manifest 
desire of all to acknowledge tlie invaluable services rendered by this 
city to the General Government, at a time in the history of the 
late struggle when such assistance was of peculiar value, was re- 
ceived as an earnest of the desire to do New York simple justice by 
refunding, without any further unnecessary delay, the moneys then 
advanced in aid of the defenders of the Union, who w^ere sent from 
this city for the protection of the then imperilled Capital of the Na- 
tion. 

Your Committee cannot close this report of the journey to the 
National Capital without testifying the deep sense they entertain of 
the many obligations they are under to the representatives from 
this city in Congress for the many acts of kindness and courtesy ex- 
tended to them, the deep solicitude expressed for the success of 
their application on behalf of the city, and for the unbounded hos- 
pitality of which they were the I'ccipients during their sojourn at 
Washington. The reception accorded to your Committee by the 
honorable the Secretary of the Treasury and the War Departments 
was in the highest degree cordial and friendly; and our only regret 
proceeds from a consciousness of our total inability to reciprocate 
the many acts of kindness extended to your Committee by all parties 
with whom they have been brought into official relations while en- 
deavoring to perform the duty intrusted to them by this Board. 
The civilities and attentions extended to them, they feel, were evi- 
dences of consideration intended to mark their character as repre- 
sentatives of the people of the city of New York, and were none the 
less gratifying on that account. On behalf of the people of the city, 
therefore, they hereby take occasion to acknowledge them, and to 
return their thanks for the many favors received ; particular men- 
tion, in this connection, being made of the Hon. Hugh McCulloch, 
Secretary of the Treasur}', the Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary 
of War, and the Representatives in Congress from this city, individ- 
ually and collectively. 



281 

Inasmuch as Congress will, in all probability, adjourn at an early 
day, and before final action can be taken on the resolution for the 
appointment of the commission to audit the claim of this city upon 
the General Government, your Committee are of opinion that it 
would be advisable to continue the Committee until the reassembling 
of Congress, when their presence may be necessary in Washington, 
while the Commission shall have the aforesaid, claim under consid- 
eration, and preparatory to its adjustment. Accordingly, they 
respectfully ask to submit the report of the progress they have made 
in furtherance of the object for which they Avere appointed, and to 
be continued in existence until it can be ascertained, at the reassem- 
bling of Congress, if tliey cannot be of further and greater service in 
assisting to arrange finally an equitable adjustment of the claim of 
the city for the reimbursement of moneys advanced to the General 
Government as indicated to the preamble and resolution under 
which they were appointed. 

Charles E. Lokw, 1 

JoHisr IIahdy, j 

Thomas Coman, } Special Committee. 

Egbert McGiNNJS, j 

James E. Coulter, j 

Alderman McQuade moved that the report be accepted and the 
recommendation adopted. 

Alderman Norton moved to add to the motion the words ''and 
that the Committee be continued as a committee of five of each 
branch of the Common Council," which amendment was accepted. 
The motion of Alderman McQuade, as amended, was then adopted. 
And the same was directed to be sent to the Board of Councilmen 
for concurrence, 

— Extract from the Proceedings of the Board of Aldermen, page 

401. 18G7. ' 

A 

Stated Sessiojst, February 1, 1SG9 

PREAMBLES AND RESOLUTIONS 

Whereas, On the twentj'-second of January, 1866, a resolution 
was approved by his Honor the Mayor, requesting the members of 
Congress from this city to urge the payment by the United States 
Government of the balance due and unjjaid of the amount expended 
in the years J 801 and 1802 by this city, through the Union Defence 
Committee, in furnishing the United States troops with arms, 
ammunition, etc. ; and, 



2S2 

Whereas, the representatives from this city in Congress have 
failed to effect a settlement of the claim of this city npon the gen- 
eral government, amounting to about eight hundred thousand 
dollars, as requested by the resolution above referred to ; and as it 
is desirable that steps should be immediately taken to cause the 
above amount so expended to be refunded to the city; be it, there- 
fore, 

Resolved, That a special committee of five members of each 
branch of the Common Council be appointed to proceed to the 
Capital, and to urge upon the proper officials of the United States 
Grovernment the necessity and propriety of settling the claim of the 
City of New York, being for moneys voluntarily tendered at a time 
when such pecuniary aid Avas of the first importance to the General 
Government, and upon the promise then given, or at least implied, 
that such money would be at some future time refunded to the 
City of New York, the expense attending the journey to and from 
Washington City, and all other incidental expenses, to be paid by 
the Comptroller, on presentation of the proper vouchers, signed by 
a majority of the special committee 

Adopted by the Board of Aldermen, February 1, 1869, and 
Aldermen Coulter, Miller, Hardy, McGrath and McQuade 
a]3pointed such special committee on the part of this Board. 

Adopted by the Board of Assistant Aldermen, February 11, 
1869, and Assistant Aldermen Gibney, Pettit, Cregier, Culkin, 
and Hill appointed such special committee on the part of this 
Board. 

Approved by the Mayor, February 12, 1869. 



Stated Sessiojst, February 5, 1876 

preambles an"d resolutions 

Whereas, It is universally conceded that, next to the improve- 
ments of navigation at Hell Gate, in the East River, the most im- 
portant work in the interest not only of this city but of the entire 
country, is the opening of the Harlem River and Spnyten Duyvil 
Creek to the commerce of the country — it may be said of the world 
— and as General Newton, the government engineer now in charge 
of the former work, has recently presented an elaborate and exhaust- 
ive report on the latter, in which he estimates the cost of the work 
to be about 11,000,000, and strongly recommended the Congress of the 
United States to appropriate that amount, and authorize this great 
facility to be added to the great natural advantages vouchsafed to 



283 

this city in the formation of this island, it is the imperative duty of 
the corporate authorities to second the eflort of General Newton, in 
behalf of this great enterprise, which is, when completed, certain to 
add materially to the commercial facilities of the port, both domestic 
and foreign ; and 

Whereas, The general government is indebted to this city in 
the sum of one million of dollars, with interest thereon from May, 
1861, advanced by the Corporation and expended through the agency 
of the Union Defence Committee of our citizens in organizing, 
arming, equipping, and transmitting one or more regiments of its 
citizen soldiers, Avho volunteered to assist in saving the then im- 
perilled capital of the nation. No psirt of this money has ever been 
refunded, and although other cities and States have been reim- 
bursed for moneys similarly expended, New York City has never yet 
received that measure of Justice at the hands of the general govern- 
ment. This money could be advantageously used in the prosecu- 
tion of the works in question, and the city should relinquish all 
claim for its payment if applied to the purposes indicated ; be it 
therefore 

Resolved, That the representatives in Congress from this city 
be and they are hereby respectfully requested to take such measures 
as they may consider best calculated to prevail upon the general 
government to undertake and. complete the work of improving tiie 
navigation of Harlem River and Spuyten Duyvil Creek, so as to 
admit of the passage of vessels of heavy tonnage; and that the 
representatives in Congress from all the other parts of this State be 
and they are hereby respectfully and earnestly requested to co-oper- 
ate in the effort to secure to the commerce of the country this great 
and much needed facility of communication between the North and 
East Rivers and Long Island Sound ; it being understood that this 
city will, in the event of the success of the measure, relinquish all 
claims against the government for the moneys advanced at the out- 
break of the late war, and now amounting to nearly two millions of 
dollars ; and be it further 

Resolved, That a certified copy of the foregoing preamble and 
resolution be addressed by the Clerk of the Common Council to 
each of the representatives in Congress from the State of New York. 
Adopted by the Board of Aldermen, February 3, 1876. 
Approved by the Mayor, February 5, 1876. 

These resolutions were introduced into the House of Represent- 
atives by the Hon. Mr. Lapham, M. C, from New York, on March 

30, 1876, and referred to the Committee on Commerce. 
19 



284 



KENEWAL OF THE CITY CLAIM 

COERESPONDEKCE OF THE MaYOR AND COMPTROLLER 

Mayor's Office, February 18, 1885. 
John" Austin Stevens, Esq. 

Dear Sir :— Mr. F. J. Twomey, Clerk of the Board of Aldermen, 
has handed nie a postal card from you asking for the correspondence 
between Mayor Grace and Comptroller Loew upon the subject of the 
moneys advanced by the City of New York in 1861 to the Union 
Defence Committee. 

In accordance with your request to Mr. Twomey I send you a copy 
of the correspondence. 

Mayor Grace desires me to inquire when your book will be pub- 
lished, and, if it is not to be ready soou, whether you will not be 
good enough to give him such information upon the subject as you 
may have at hand conveniently. 

Yours respectfully, 

Richard J. Moreisson, 

Secretary. 

Mayor's Office, New York, February 12, 1885. 
Hon. Edward V. Loew, Comptroller. 

Dear Sir:— Oji the 22d of April, ISfil, the Mayor, Aldermen 
and Commonalty of the City of New York, in Common Council con- 
vened, adopted an ordinance appropriating one million dollars 
($1,000,000) for the purpose of. procuring the necessary equipments 
and outfits of the soldiers who enlisted in the service of the State 
under a requisition of the President of the United States, and for the 
aid and support of their families. 

This sum was disbursed by the " Union Defence Committee of the 
City of New York," which consisted of the Mayor and other officials 
and a number of prominent citizens. 

The General Government, of this sum, repaid: 

On October 19, 1861 $66,793 25 

On May 12, 1862 40,215 50 



Leaving a balance due $892,991 25 



wliich with accumulations of interest will make a large sum which 
should be restored to the City Treasury. 



285 

I am informed th;it the Board of Aldermen in 18G6 and again in 
1869 memorialized Congress witli a view to legislation on the subject.* 
I desire to be put in possession of all the facts in possession of your 
department, to the end that I may recommend to the Board of Alder- 
men .such appropriate action as may be advisable to secure repayment 
of the balance due to the city. 

The Government has reimbursed all advances, I believe, to the 
several State governments, and may do so in this instance with a 
municipal government. 

Yours respectfully, 
(Signed,) W. R. Grace, 

Mayor. 

City op New York, Finance Department, 

Comptroller's Office, February 13, 1885. 

Hon. William R. Grace, Mayor. 
Dear Sir : 
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi- 
cation of the 12th instant, relative to the sum of $1,000,000 (one 
million dollars), raised by the Corporation of the City of New York 
under an Ordinance of the Common Council, passed on the 22d day 
of April, 1801, for the purpose of securing the necessary equipment 
and outfit for soldiers who enlisted in the service of the State, under 
a Requisition of the President of the United States, and for the aid 
and support of their fiimilies, which sum of money was disbursed by 
the Union Defence Committee of the City of New York, which con- 
sisted of the following officials : 

The Mayor of the City of New York, 
The Comptroller of the City of New York, 
The President of the Board of Aldermen, 
The President of the Board of Councilmen, 

and many prominent citizens. 

You ask me to furnish you with all the facts in possession of the 
Finance Department, in order that you may recommend to the 
Board of Aldermen such appropriate action as may be advisable to 
secure repayment from the General Government of the amount due 
the City for disbursements by the said Union Defence Committee. 

The books of this Department show that ''Union Defence 
Bonds of the City of New York" were issued for the sum of 

* The Proceedings of the Board of Aldermen and the Report of the Com- 
mittee precede this Correspondence. 



286 

$1,000,000 (one million dollars), from April 30 to October 26, 1861, 
which was paid as required in various amounts to the Treasurer 
of the Union Defence Committee. 

The account between the City and the Union Defence Commit- 
tee also shows that the City was reimbursed the sum of $104,429.79 
by the United States as follows : 

Amount of warrant No. 3,596 on the Treasurer of the United 
States, received from F. E. Spinner, Treasurer, for Bill of 
Arms furnished to the Government through tlie Union Defence 
Committee as per letter of E. B. French,' Second Auditor $66,793 25 

Amount received from the United States (ioveinment 
for goods sold to John C. Fremont by the Union 
Defence Committee $40,31^5 58 

Less Commissions and Expenses 2,578 96 



37,636 54 



$104,429 79 



Leaving a balance of $895,570. '-il advanced by the City to the 
Union Defence Committee. 

These accounts comprise all the official records relating to the 
subject in possession of the Finance Department. 

For further information I respectfully refer you to Document No. 
18, Board of Aldermen, September 9th, 1861, containing Eeports 
and Documents of the Union Defence Committee of the Citizens of 
New York, in which will be found copies of the Ordinance of the 
Common Council appropriating the sum of $1,000,000 (one million 
dollars) for the purpose above-named, the names of the Union De- 
fence Committee and its officers, their proceedings and detailed 
statements of the amounts and objects of their expenditures. 

I am informed that the Committee intended making another 
final report, but have no knowledge of any subsequent action. 

I am also informed that John Austin Stevens, Esq., has recently 
collected all the papers of the Committee he could find, and has 
compiled them in a volume now in press, to be published shortly. 
Yours very respectfully, 

Edwakd V. LoEW, 
(Signed,) Comptroller. 



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